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Sulfated Glycans Inhibit the Interaction of MERS-CoV Receptor Binding Domain with Heparin

Jiyuan Yang1,2, Yuefan Song2, Weihua Jin3

  • 1The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.

Viruses
|February 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Researchers explored how sulfated glycans can inhibit Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) by blocking its attachment to host cells. This study offers insights into developing new antiviral agents targeting MERS-CoV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Glycobiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly contagious and lethal zoonotic virus.
  • Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on mammalian cell surfaces are crucial for viral entry.
  • Inhibiting virus-HSPG interactions presents a potential antiviral strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory potential of various sulfated glycans against MERS-CoV.
  • To assess the interaction between the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD) and heparin.
  • To explore sulfated glycans as potential antiviral agents.

Main Methods:

  • Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) was used to analyze interactions.
  • The binding of MERS-CoV RBD to heparin was studied.
  • The inhibitory effects of diverse sulfated glycans were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • The study successfully exploited the MERS-CoV RBD-heparin interaction.
  • Various sulfated glycans demonstrated inhibitory activity.
  • Insights into the mechanism of MERS-CoV attachment were gained.

Conclusions:

  • Sulfated glycans show promise as inhibitors of MERS-CoV infection.
  • Targeting the virus-HS interaction is a viable antiviral approach.
  • This research supports the development of novel sulfated glycan-based MERS-CoV inhibitors.
Keywords:
HSPGsMERS-CoVheparinsulfated glycanssurface plasmon resonance

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