Differences in Anti-HIV Activity of Plant Lectins GNA and GNAmaize
Author Information
Author(s): Hoorelbeke Bart, Van Damme Els JM, Rougé Pierre, Schols Dominique, Van Laethem Kristel, Fouquaert Elke, Balzarini Jan
Primary Institution: Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U.Leuven
Hypothesis
The differences in carbohydrate-binding specificities of GNA and GNAmaize determine their anti-HIV activity.
Conclusion
GNAmaize has significantly reduced anti-HIV activity compared to GNA due to its shift in glycan recognition from high-mannose to complex-type glycans.
Supporting Evidence
- GNA is ~60 to ≥100-fold more potent as an anti-HIV agent than GNAmaize.
- GNAmaize was found to be much less active against HIV-1 and HIV-2.
- GNAmaize could not efficiently prevent syncytia formation between persistently HIV-1-infected HuT-78 cells and uninfected SupT1 cells.
- GNAmaize inhibited HIV-1 transmission at an EC50 of 0.44 μM, which was 70-fold less efficient than GNA.
Takeaway
This study shows that two similar plant proteins can work very differently against HIV because they recognize different types of sugars.
Methodology
The study involved glycan array analysis, surface plasmon resonance, and various antiviral assays to compare the activities of GNA and GNAmaize against HIV.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on two lectins and may not represent the broader spectrum of lectin activities against HIV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website