Computer Evaluation of the Potential of Protein from Arachis hypogaea as A Nutritional Supplement during COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The potential of Arachis hypogaea protein as a nutritional supplement during the pandemic of COVID-19 was studied. First of all, the classification of Arachis hypogaea proteins was briefly reviewed, and the representative Arachis hypogaea proteins (Ara h1, Ara h2, Ara h3, Ara h6, conarachin A and conarachin B) were selected. At the same time, six common Arachis hypogaea proteins were hydrolyzed by computer-simulated gastrointestinal protease, and a large number of active peptides were obtained. Then, the active peptides were docked with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to evaluate their binding ability of the six Arachis hypogaea proteins. Results showed that the degree of hydrolysis of the six Arachis hypogaea proteins ranged from 34.97% to 38.11%, and Ara h2 possessed the best binding effect with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (F>6.67%), followed by Ara h6 (F=4.73%). In addition, oligopeptides PCAQR, CQSQL, PCEQH and IQQGR were proved to possess good binding effect with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (docking fraction≤-140). In summary, supplementation of Arachis hypogaea protein during COVID-19 pandemic may be helpful for potential SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the identified oligopeptides have the potential to become inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. © 2021, Editorial Board of Modern Food Science and Technology. All right reserved.