4H30, a 4-branched defensin peptide, exhibits dual virucidal and endosomal trapping activity against human adenoviruses in organoids and hamsters.

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are common and highly contagious respiratory pathogens, responsible for a spectrum of illnesses ranging from mild respiratory disease to severe, life-threatening infections. These severe outcomes are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients, and young children, where HAdV infections can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, or disseminated disease. Despite their significant medical importance and the high morbidity and mortality associated with severe cases, there are currently no clinically approved antiviral drugs specifically targeting HAdVs. This critical therapeutic gap underscores an urgent and unmet medical need for novel, effective antiviral strategies that can combat the diverse HAdV subtypes and overcome the persistent challenge of viral resistance.