Lectins as Promising Therapeutics for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV and Other Potential Coinfections

Biomed Res Int. 2018 May 8:2018:3750646. doi: 10.1155/2018/3750646. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a global health problem. Current therapeutics specifically target the viral pathogen at various stages of its life cycle, although complex interactions between HIV and other pathogenic organisms are evident. Targeting HIV and concomitant infectious pathogens simultaneously, both by therapeutic regimens and in prevention strategies, would help contain the AIDS pandemic. Lectins, a ubiquitous group of proteins that specifically bind glycosylated molecules, are interesting compounds that could be used for this purpose, with demonstrated anti-HIV properties. In addition, potential coinfecting pathogens, including other enveloped viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi, and protozoa, display sugar-coated macromolecules on their surfaces, making them potential targets of lectins. This review summarizes the currently available findings suggesting that lectins should be further developed to simultaneously fight the AIDS pandemic and concomitant infections in HIV infected individuals.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Coinfection / drug therapy*
  • Coinfection / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Lectins / pharmacology*
  • Lectins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Lectins