title: Griffithsin: An Antiviral Lectin with Outstanding Therapeutic Potential.
abstract: Griffithsin (GRFT), an algae-derived lectin, is one of the most potent viral entry inhibitors discovered to date. It is currently being developed as a microbicide with broad-spectrum activity against several enveloped viruses. GRFT can inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at picomolar concentrations, surpassing the ability of most anti-HIV agents. The potential to inhibit other viruses as well as parasites has also been demonstrated. Griffithsin's antiviral activity stems from its ability to bind terminal mannoses present in high-mannose oligosaccharides and crosslink these glycans on the surface of the viral envelope glycoproteins. Here, we review structural and biochemical studies that established mode of action and facilitated construction of GRFT analogs, mechanisms that may lead to resistance, and in vitro and pre-clinical results that support the therapeutic potential of this lectin.
authors: Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. sabrinal@mail.nih.gov.
authors: Sabrina
authors: S
authors: Lusvarghi
authors: Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. caroleb@mail.nih.gov.
authors: Carole A
authors: CA
authors: Bewley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D037121:Plant Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D037121:Plant Lectins; C499654:griffithsin protein, Griffithsia
keywords: HCV; HIV; HSV; carbohydrate binding agent; immunogenicity; multivalency; resistance; viral envelope glycoproteins