Potential of a novel peptide P16-D from the membrane-proximal external region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to enhance retrovirus infection

The peptide P13 (Ac-(NWFDITNWLWYIK683)-N-671-NH2), derived from the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmembrane protein and its derivative P16, have been shown to significantly boost HIV-1 infectivity by forming amyloid fibrils. Here, a new modified nanofibril peptide P16-D derived from P16 was demonstrated to have an enhanced ability to promote retroviral gene transfer. Moreover, the "networks" formed by P16-D nanofibrils could effectively capture and concentrate enveloped virus by low-speed centrifugation. In addition, the captured influenza virus H1N1 could elicit a stronger immune response in mice at a lower dose than that in the absence of the nanofibrils. The results implied a potential for P16-D to improve gene transfer rates and vaccine applications.