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Lectins with anti-HIV activity: a review
Ouafae Akkouh1, Tzi Bun Ng2, Senjam Sunil Singh3
1Department of Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Faculty of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Zernikdreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands. ouafae@live.nl.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 9, 2015
Summary
Various lectins and lectin mimics from plants, algae, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, and worms show anti-HIV activity. Their mechanisms against HIV are explored in this study.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with diverse biological activities.
- Several lectins and lectin mimics have demonstrated potential in combating viral infections, including HIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the anti-HIV activities of various lectins and nonpeptidic lectin mimics.
- To explore the mechanisms of action of these compounds against HIV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lectins and lectin mimics with anti-HIV properties.
- Analysis of reported anti-HIV mechanisms, including viral entry inhibition and other cellular interactions.
Main Results:
- Plant lectins (e.g., jacalin, concanavalin A) exhibit anti-HIV effects.
- Algal lectins (e.g., Griffithsin) and cyanobacterial lectins (e.g., cyanovirin-N) show significant anti-HIV activity.
- Actinomycete lectins (e.g., Actinohivin) and worm lectins (e.g., Mermaid) also possess anti-HIV properties.
- Nonpeptidic mimics like pradimicins and benanomicins are effective against HIV.
Conclusions:
- A wide array of natural lectins and synthetic mimics possess anti-HIV activity.
- These compounds target various stages of the HIV lifecycle.
- Further research into these lectins and mimics could lead to novel anti-HIV therapeutics.
