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Updated: May 23, 2026

Chemo-enzymatic Synthesis of N-glycans for Array Development and HIV Antibody Profiling
Published on: February 5, 2018
Glycans, galectins, and HIV-1 infection
Sachiko Sato1, Michel Ouellet, Christian St-Pierre
1Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Laval University, Quebec, Canada. Sachiko.Sato@crchul.ulaval.ca
Abstract:
During sexual transmission, HIV-1 must overcome physiological barriers to establish a founder cell population. Viral adhesion represents a bottleneck for HIV-1 propagation that the virus widens by exploiting some specific host factors. Recognition of oligomannosyl glycans of gp120 by C-type lectins is one such example. Recent works suggest that complex glycans of gp120 are recognized by another host lectin, galectin-1. This interaction results in rapid association of HIV-1 to susceptible cells and facilitates infection. The peculiar presentation of complex glycans on gp120 seems to impart specificity for galectin-1, as another member of the same family, galectin-3, is unable to bind gp120 or enhance HIV-1 infection. Other studies have shown that galectin-9 could also increase HIV-1 infectivity but via an indirect mechanism. Thus, current research suggests that galectins play various roles in HIV-1 pathogenesis. Drug discovery approaches targeting host lectins at early steps could benefit the current arsenal of antiretrovirals.
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