Apoptin-Derived Peptide B9 Cuts Seizure Susceptibility and Improves Memory in Mouse Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Researchers at Harbin Medical University reported in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, published online October 1, 2026, that B9, a peptide derived from the viral protein apoptin, lowered seizure susceptibility, reduced epileptiform activity on EEG, and improved spatial learning and memory in mouse models of acute seizures and kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy. The team traced the effect to B9 suppressing the heat shock protein HSPA1A and freeing the protein AP2B1, which preserved the glutamate receptor subunit GluA2 and limited calcium overload in neurons; knocking down AP2B1 erased B9's benefits. The findings come from mice only.