From Examining the Relationship between (Corona)Viral Adhesins and Galectins to Glyco-Perspectives.

Klein, Michael L; Romero, Antonio; Kaltner, Herbert; Percec, Virgil; Gabius, Hans-Joachim

Glycan-lectin recognition is vital to processes that impact human health including viral infections. Proceeding from crystallographical evidence of case studies on adeno-, corona- and rotaviral spike proteins, the relationship of these adhesins to mammalian galectins was examined by computational similarity assessments. Intrafamily diversity among human galectins was in the range of that to these viral surface proteins. Our findings are offered to inspire the consideration of lectin-based approaches to thwart infection by present and future viral threats, also mentioning possible implications for vaccine development.