The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins
Algae have emerged as fascinating subjects of study due to their vast potential as sources of valuable metabolites with diverse biotechnological applications, including their use as fertilizers, feed, food, and even pharmaceutical precursors. Among the numerous compounds found in algae, lectins have...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Marine Drugs |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/21/10/515 |
| _version_ | 1797573133135249408 |
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| author | Christian Alvarez Carina Félix Marco F. L. Lemos |
| author_facet | Christian Alvarez Carina Félix Marco F. L. Lemos |
| author_sort | Christian Alvarez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Algae have emerged as fascinating subjects of study due to their vast potential as sources of valuable metabolites with diverse biotechnological applications, including their use as fertilizers, feed, food, and even pharmaceutical precursors. Among the numerous compounds found in algae, lectins have garnered special attention for their unique structures and carbohydrate specificities, distinguishing them from lectins derived from other sources. Here, a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific and technological advancements in the realm of algal lectins with a particular focus on their antiviral properties is provided. These lectins have displayed remarkable effectiveness against a wide range of viruses, thereby holding great promise for various antiviral applications. It is worth noting that several alga species have already been successfully commercialized for their antiviral potential. However, the discovery of a diverse array of lectins with potent antiviral capabilities suggests that the field holds immense untapped potential for further expansion. In conclusion, algae stand as a valuable and versatile resource, and their lectins offer an exciting avenue for developing novel antiviral agents, which may lead to the development of cutting-edge antiviral therapies. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:05:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-052c263f8da8467980a41799f85d3d63 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1660-3397 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:05:23Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Marine Drugs |
| spelling | doaj.art-052c263f8da8467980a41799f85d3d632023-11-19T17:09:20ZengMDPI AGMarine Drugs1660-33972023-09-01211051510.3390/md21100515The Antiviral Potential of Algal LectinsChristian Alvarez0Carina Félix1Marco F. L. Lemos2MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, PortugalMARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, PortugalMARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, PortugalAlgae have emerged as fascinating subjects of study due to their vast potential as sources of valuable metabolites with diverse biotechnological applications, including their use as fertilizers, feed, food, and even pharmaceutical precursors. Among the numerous compounds found in algae, lectins have garnered special attention for their unique structures and carbohydrate specificities, distinguishing them from lectins derived from other sources. Here, a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific and technological advancements in the realm of algal lectins with a particular focus on their antiviral properties is provided. These lectins have displayed remarkable effectiveness against a wide range of viruses, thereby holding great promise for various antiviral applications. It is worth noting that several alga species have already been successfully commercialized for their antiviral potential. However, the discovery of a diverse array of lectins with potent antiviral capabilities suggests that the field holds immense untapped potential for further expansion. In conclusion, algae stand as a valuable and versatile resource, and their lectins offer an exciting avenue for developing novel antiviral agents, which may lead to the development of cutting-edge antiviral therapies.https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/21/10/515bioactive compoundslectinsmarine biotechnologymacroalgaemechanisms of actionmicroalga |
| spellingShingle | Christian Alvarez Carina Félix Marco F. L. Lemos The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins Marine Drugs bioactive compounds lectins marine biotechnology macroalgae mechanisms of action microalga |
| title | The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins |
| title_full | The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins |
| title_fullStr | The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins |
| title_short | The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins |
| title_sort | antiviral potential of algal lectins |
| topic | bioactive compounds lectins marine biotechnology macroalgae mechanisms of action microalga |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/21/10/515 |
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