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Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection logoLink to Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection
. 2020 Oct 21:cwaa099. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa099

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

Luís Cláudio Nascimento da Silva 1,2,, Juliana Silva Pereira Mendonça 3, Weslley Felix de Oliveira 4, Karla Lílian Rodrigues Batista 5, Adrielle Zagmignan 6, Isabelle Freire Tabosa Viana 7, Maria Tereza Santos Correia 8
PMCID: PMC7665446  PMID: 33094324

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.

Keywords: viral glycoproteins, antiviral therapy, immunization, biosensors, blood purification


Articles from Glycobiology are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press

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