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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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A Miniaturized Glycan Microarray Assay for Assessing Avidity and Specificity of Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinins
Published on: May 29, 2016
INHIBITION BY CERTAIN POLYSACCHARIDES OF HEMAGGLUTINATION AND OF MULTIPLICATION OF INFLUENZA VIRUS
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Certain complex carbohydrates, like apple pectin, inhibit influenza A virus hemagglutination and multiplication. This discovery offers potential new strategies for antiviral therapies against influenza.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza A virus causes significant global health issues.
- Hemagglutination is a key viral mechanism for infection.
- Inhibiting viral hemagglutination is a potential therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of complex carbohydrates in inhibiting influenza A virus hemagglutination.
- To explore the mechanism of action of effective carbohydrate inhibitors.
- To assess the effect of apple pectin on viral replication.
Main Methods:
- Pattern testing of various complex carbohydrates for hemagglutination inhibition.
- Detailed analysis of apple pectin's interaction with virus and red blood cells (RBCs).
- In ovo studies to evaluate apple pectin's effect on influenza A virus multiplication.
Main Results:
- Apple pectin, citrus pectin, flaxseed mucilage, gum acacia, and gum myrrh inhibited chicken RBC agglutination by influenza A virus.
- Other tested carbohydrates did not show inhibitory effects.
- Apple pectin demonstrated inhibitory effects on both the virus and RBCs, and also inhibited viral multiplication in embryonated eggs.
Conclusions:
- Specific complex carbohydrates possess hemagglutination-inhibiting properties against influenza A virus.
- Apple pectin shows dual action, affecting both viral and host factors, and inhibiting viral replication.
- These findings suggest potential for carbohydrate-based antiviral agents.
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