Biochemical characterization of a novel purified lectin extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom for its antiviral activity

Abstract Viruses are responsible for numerous serious outbreaks and pandemics worldwide. In this context, lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins, have garnered attention due to their antiviral properties against RNA and DNA viruses. The antiviral potential of the purified and well-characterized lectin from Pleurotus ostreatus (POL) was assessed against various viruses. POL showed potent antiviral activity against HCV with IC 50 values of 68.75 nM and 52.13 nM for determining the blocking and neutralizing infectivity, respectively. POL exhibited IC 50 values of 42.75 and 14.88 nM against HBV through treatment and blocking mechanisms, respectively. Notably, POL demonstrated a 58.80% binding capacity to cell-surface CD81, while the IC 50 values for targeting the scavenger receptor class B-type I (SR-B1), HCV-NS3/4A protease inhibition, and anti-HBV polymerase activity were established at 10.08, 10.98, and 4.22 nM, respectively. The outcomes of this investigation offer crucial insights into the mechanisms through which POL effectively inhibits infection caused by different viruses. These findings have the potential to inform the development of antiviral strategies and therapeutic interventions.