Exploring lectin–glycan interactions to combat COVID-19: Lessons acquired from other enveloped viruses

Abstract

The emergence of a new human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed great pressure on the health system worldwide. The presence of glycoproteins on the viral envelope opens a wide range of possibilities for application of lectins to address some urgent problems involved in this pandemic. In this work, we discuss the potential contributions of lectins from non-mammalian sources in the development of several fields associated with viral infections, most notably COVID-19. We review the literature on the use of non-mammalian lectins as a therapeutic approach against members of the Coronaviridae family, including recent advances in strategies of protein engineering to improve their efficacy. The applications of lectins as adjuvants for antiviral vaccines are also discussed. Finally, we present some emerging strategies employing lectins for the development of biosensors, microarrays, immunoassays and tools for purification of viruses from whole blood. Altogether, the data compiled in this review highlights the importance of structural studies aiming to improve our knowledge about the basis of glycan recognition by lectins and its repercussions in several fields, providing potential solutions for complex aspects that are emerging from different health challenges.

Protein N-glycosylation is essential for SARS-CoV-2 infection

“…On the other hand, we have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 surface N- glycans are essential for infection. New potential treatments may consist of blocking such glycans using antibodies or lectins to reduce and neutralize the spread of the infection 30 . Concerns are currently arising about new SARS-CoV-2 variants that could potentially escape treatments under development or vaccine-derived antibody neutralization.…”

Aptamers for Detection and Diagnostics (ADD) is a proposed mobile app acquiring optical data from conjugated quantum nanodots to identify molecules indicating presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus: Why public health and healthcare need smartphone sensors as a platform for early detection and prevention

“…Table IV: The choice of lectin sensors as controls to improve confidence in data from aptamer tests. Non-mammalian lectins with anti-viral activities 586 (top). Use in biosensors (bottom).…”

Glycan and Its Role in Combating COVID-19

“…The interaction with glycoproteins conjointly allows the use of lectins within the development of devices for identification and characterization of glycoproteins in a viral envelope or alterations in host glycoproteins throughout virus infection. Lectins are natural proteins that focus on the sugar moieties of a large vary of glycoproteins [10]. They are prevailing among higher plants and are divided into seven families of structurally and evolutionarily connected proteins.…”

“…Additionally to the antiviral impact of mannose-and N-acetylglucosamine-specific agglutinins on HIV, the associate repressive impact of those plant lectins was reported on respiratory syncytial viral infection, CMV infection, and influenza A virus infection in vitro. Carbohydrate-binding agents are thought of as anti-CoV agents that focus on spike protein and restrain CoV entry [10]. They're proficient to bind specifically with the oligosaccharides on virus surfaces like HIV and S glycoprotein.…”