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Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-5575
ISSN (Online): 1875-5607

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

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

Volume 5, Issue 1, 2005

Page: [21 - 31] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/1389557053402783

Price: $65

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.

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


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