Coronavirus Research

Antiviral activity of lectins

The antiviral activity of lectins is largely attributed to direct binding to viral envelope glycans and preventing entry of the virus into cells.

Lectins from various sources have been shown to exhibit potent antiviral properties by inhibiting infection of clinically important viral pathogens. The antiviral activity of lectins is largely attributed to direct binding to viral envelope glycans and preventing entry of the virus into cells. Several lectins, particularly plant lectins with affinity toward mannose and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) sugar moieties, have been identified as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention of viral transmission in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), according to Mitchell, et al.

Based on prior studies on coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, mannose-specific plant lectins can be used to investigate antiviral properties of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Our partner Vector Laboratories is an established manufacturer of many plant lectins that are described in the literature as valuable tools in ongoing research to elucidate their potential in suppression of viral activity. Below is a list of mannose-specific and mannose/glucose-specific lectins, available in unconjugated and conjugated formats.