Plant lectins as prospective antiviral biomolecules in the search for COVID-19 eradication strategies
Issued Date
2022-02-01
Resource Type
ISSN
07533322
eISSN
19506007
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85120784287
Pubmed ID
34891122
Journal Title
Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
Volume
146
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy Vol.146 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Ahmed M.N., Jahan R., Nissapatorn V., Wilairatana P., Rahmatullah M. Plant lectins as prospective antiviral biomolecules in the search for COVID-19 eradication strategies. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy Vol.146 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112507 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/86882
Title
Plant lectins as prospective antiviral biomolecules in the search for COVID-19 eradication strategies
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Lectins or clusters of carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin are distributed chiefly in the Plantae. Lectins have potent anti-infectivity properties for several RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The primary purpose of this review is to review the ability of lectins mediated potential biotherapeutic and bioprophylactic strategy against coronavirus causing COVID-19. Lectins have binding affinity to the glycans of SARS-COV-2 Spike glycoprotein that has N-glycosylation sites. Apart from this, the complement lectin pathway is a “first line host defense” against the viral infection that is activated by mannose-binding lectins. Mannose-binding lectins deficiency in serum influences innate immunity of the host and facilitates infectious diseases including COVID-19. Our accumulated evidence obtained from scientific databases particularly PubMed and Google Scholar databases indicate that mannose-specific/mannose-binding lectins (MBL) have potent efficacies like anti-infectivity, complement cascade induction, immunoadjuvants, DC-SIGN antagonists, or glycomimetic approach, which can prove useful in the strategy of COVID-19 combat along with the glycobiological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infections and antiviral immunity. For example, plant-derived mannose-specific lectins BanLac, FRIL, Lentil, and GRFT from red algae can inhibit and neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, as confirmed with in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico assessments. Furthermore, Bangladesh has a noteworthy resource of antiviral medicinal plants as well as plant lectins. Intensifying research on the antiviral plant lectins, adopting a glyco-biotechnological approach, and with deeper insights into the “glycovirological” aspects may result in the designing of alternative and potent blueprints against the 21st century's biological pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19