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Identification of SARS-CoV-2-binding lectins on a commercial lectin array
Neetu1,2, Shimona Ahlawat1,2, Rathina Delipan1
1CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, 160036, India.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2025
Summary
Researchers identified specific lectins that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein, revealing insights into the virus's glycosylation patterns. These findings could inform the development of new antiviral therapies targeting the Spike protein.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Glycobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for viral entry into host cells via ACE2 binding.
- Spike protein glycosylation significantly influences its interaction with ACE2 and subsequent viral fusion.
- Understanding Spike glycosylation is vital for developing effective vaccines and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify lectins capable of binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and virions.
- To predict the glycan structures present on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein based on lectin binding specificities.
- To explore potential antiviral applications of identified lectin-Spike interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an array of 95 lectins to screen for binding to recombinant Spike glycoprotein and cultured SARS-CoV-2.
- Predicted glycan-binding specificities for 68 lectins using public glycan array data and MotifFinder software.
- Analyzed binding intensities and specificities to infer glycosylation patterns on the Spike protein.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous lectins (e.g., AAL, RCA 120, Con A, SBA) exhibiting high-intensity binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and virions.
- Predicted that Spike glycoprotein is modified with high mannose/hybrid N-glycans, α1-6 core fucosylated N-glycans, and complex glycans with Lewis and Blood group H structures.
- These findings provide a detailed profile of Spike protein glycosylation.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified SARS-CoV-2-specific lectins and characterized potential glycosylation patterns on the Spike glycoprotein.
- The identified lectins and predicted glycan structures offer valuable insights into viral-host interactions.
- These findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into lectin-based antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
