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Lectin-mediated effects on HIV type 1 infection in vitro
L Hammar1, I Hirsch, A A Machado
1Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Galanthus nivalis lectin (GNA) neutralizes HIV-1 by binding to the virus and blocking infection at the target cell level. Mannose residues on cell surfaces are key targets for GNA
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lectins and antibodies targeting mannose residues neutralize HIV-1 in vitro, likely by binding viral glycoproteins.
- Galanthus nivalis lectin (GNA) is a mannose-specific lectin with potential antiviral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dual mechanism of GNA in inhibiting HIV-1 infection, including its effect on target cells.
- To explore the role of mannose residues on target cells in GNA-mediated HIV-1 inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Used HIV-1 isolates (LAV, NDK, MN) and HIV-2ROD with MT-4 and CEM cells.
- Assessed infection via syncytia formation and cell-to-cell spread.
- Investigated GNA's effect after pre-treating cells or infected cells, and utilized mannosidase treatment.
Main Results:
- GNA neutralized multiple HIV isolates (HIV-1 and HIV-2) at nanogram per milliliter concentrations.
- GNA blocked infection by pre-treating target cells or infected cells, with a more pronounced effect on HIV-1NDK.
- Mannosidase treatment of target cells abolished GNA's inhibitory effect on HIV-1NDK, indicating cell surface mannose involvement.
Conclusions:
- GNA inhibits HIV infection through dual mechanisms: direct virion binding and blocking infection at the target cell level.
- The target cell blocking mechanism is isolate-dependent and involves mannose residues on the cell surface, not essential viral receptors.
- GNA demonstrates significant potential as an antiviral agent against diverse HIV strains.