Abstract: The present disclosure provides small complementary RNAs (scRNAs), compositions containing the same, and methods for using such small complementary RNAs as antivirals. The present disclosure provides, in more specific embodiments, scRNAs that are single-stranded and which are about 20-30 nucleotides (nt) long, and which are complementary to the intron of an essential viral gene, such as the major immediate early (MIE) gene of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions additionally containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier system, wherein the carrier system includes a cationic polymer which releases the scRNA in response to endosomal pH.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel computational methods for identifying potential therapeutic peptides as antivirals, and methods of using viral receptor-derived peptides as antivirals. Further, the present disclosure provides methods of using angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-derived peptides as therapeutic treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).