Cyanovirin-N

Cyanovirin-N (CV-N) is a protein that has demonstrated potent antiviral activity against HIV and other enveloped viruses. It was first isolated from the cyanobacterium Nostoc ellipsosporum and has since been the subject of extensive research due to its potential therapeutic applications.

Structure

CV-N is a small protein, consisting of 101 amino acids and having a molecular weight of approximately 11 kDa. It has a unique structure, with two domains connected by a flexible linker. Each domain contains a binding site for mannose, a sugar molecule found on the surface of many viruses.

Mechanism of Action

CV-N exerts its antiviral activity by binding to high-mannose glycans on the surface of the virus. This prevents the virus from attaching to and entering host cells, thereby inhibiting infection. CV-N has been shown to be effective against a wide range of viruses, including HIV, influenza virus, and hepatitis C virus.

Therapeutic Potential

Due to its potent antiviral activity, CV-N has been explored as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HIV and other viral infections. It has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV infection in laboratory studies, and clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• HIV/AIDS
• Protein structure

References

Cyanovirin-N Resources
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