Title:The Use of Lectins as Tools to Combat SARS-CoV-2
Volume: 27
Issue: 41
Author(s): Daniela Martinez, Diego Amaral, David Markovitz and Luciano Pinto*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Capao do Leao, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil
Keywords:
Virus inhibition, agglutinins, capsid glycoprotein, covid-19, spike protein, antiviral activity, antiviral proteins.
Abstract:
Background: In December 2019, China announced the first case of an infection caused by an, until
then, unknown virus: SARS-CoV-2. Since then, researchers have been looking for viable alternatives for the
treatment and/or cure of viral infection. Among the possible complementary solutions are lectins, proteins that
are reversibly bound to different carbohydrates. The Spike protein, present on the viral surface, can interact
with different cell receptors: ACE2, CD147, and DC-SIGNR. Since lectins have an affinity for different carbohydrates,
the binding with the glycosylated cell receptors represents a possibility of preventing the virus from
binding to the receptors of host cells.
Objective: In this review, we discuss the main lectins that are possible candidates for use in the treatment of
Covid-19, highlighting those that have already demonstrated antiviral activity in vivo and in vitro, including
mannose-binding lectin, Griffithsin, BanLec, and others. We also aim to discuss the possible mechanism of action
of lectins, which appears to occur through the mediation of viral fusion in host cells, by binding of lectins
to glycosylated receptors found in human cells and/or binding of these proteins with the spike glycoprotein, present
in virus surface. Moreover, we discuss the use of lectins in clinical practice.
Conclusion: Even with the development of effective vaccines, new cases of viral infection with the same virus,
or new outbreaks with different viruses can occur; so, the development of new treatments should not be discarded.
Moreover, the discussions made in this work are relevant regarding the anti-viral properties of lectins.
