Potential Molecular Players Against to SARS-CoV-2: A Glyco-Perspective

Abstract

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is associated with the increasing number of cases and deaths and has been declared a pandemic by WHO. The treatment strategy focused on preventing the S protein from binding and penetrating the ACE-2 receptor. In addition, S protein-related molecules such as peptides, blockers, and inhibitors that inhibit S protein cleavage are considered candidate therapeutics. However, the major hurdle in the development of anti-viral therapy appears to be glycosylated components of a virus. Host-derived glycosylated molecules of a particular virus can protect them from immune attack and increase their virulence with masking effects. In this review, various aspects of glycans regarding virus-host interactions and new therapeutic concepts on the glycosylation machinery are discussed.