The Highly Specific Carbohydrate-Binding Protein Cyanovirin-N: Structure, Anti-HIV/Ebola Activity and Possibilities for Therapy

Title: The Highly Specific Carbohydrate-Binding Protein Cyanovirin-N: Structure, Anti-HIV/Ebola Activity and Possibilities for Therapy

Volume: 5 Issue: 1

Author(s): Laura G. Barrientos and Angela M. Gronenborn

Affiliation:

Keywords: cyanovirin-n, sars, microbicidal agent, high-mannose oligosaccharides

Abstract: Cyanovirin-N (CV-N), a cyanobacterial lectin, is a potent viral entry inhibitor currently under development as a microbicide against a broad spectrum of enveloped viruses. CV-N was originally identified as a highly active anti-HIV agent and later, as a virucidal agent against other unrelated enveloped viruses such as Ebola, and possibly other viruses. CV-Ns antiviral activity appears to involve unique recognition of Nlinked high-mannose oligosaccharides, Man-8 and Man-9, on the viral surface glycoproteins. Due to its distinct mode of action and opportunities for harnessing the associated interaction for therapeutic intervention, a substantial body of research on CV-N has accumulated since its discovery in 1997. In this review we focus in particular on structural studies on CV-N and their relationship to biological activity.

Cite this article as:

Barrientos G. Laura and Gronenborn M. Angela, The Highly Specific Carbohydrate-Binding Protein Cyanovirin-N: Structure, Anti-HIV/Ebola Activity and Possibilities for Therapy, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2005; 5 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557053402783