Structure-Based Development of a Novel Macrocyclic Peptide to Disrupt the Lumican–Collagen I Interaction in Liver Fibrosis

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Abstract Liver fibrosis is a common and severe hepatic disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of Collagen I. Lumican, an extracellular matrix protein, plays a critical role in collagen fibril assembly and contributes to progression. However, macrocyclic peptide-based inhibitors of this interaction remain largely unexplored. Herein, we report the discovery and structure–activity relationship of novel macrocyclic peptides that act as potent and stable inhibitors of the Lumican–Collagen I interaction. Among these, peptide C11 exhibited the highest potency, binding directly to Collagen I and effectively disrupting its interaction with Lumican. In vivo studies demonstrated that peptide C11 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by reducing inflammatory infiltration and collagen deposition. These findings suggest that targeting the Lumican–Collagen I interaction represents a promising therapeutic strategy for antifibrotic treatment, particularly through the disruption of collagen maturation and deposition.

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