title: Algal lectins for potential prevention of HIV transmission.
abstract: A number of lectins that bind high-mannose carbohydrates on the surface of the envelopes of virus has been found to have antiviral activity. In particular, some algal lectins such as Cyanovirin-N, Microcystis viridis lectin, Scytovirin, Griffithsin and Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin, exhibit high anti-HIV activity, and provide an alternative route to prevention of HIV transmission. This review focuses on the structural property, antiviral activity and possible mechanism of these lectins, and future challenges for potential prophylactic or therapeutic applications are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, China.
authors.forename: Yuqin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xuewu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Gu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D020418:Algal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008958:Models, Molecular
chemical_list: D020418:Algal Proteins; D037102:Lectins