Antiviral agents targeting glycans on dengue virus E-glycoprotein.

The molecular recognition of dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) with arthropod-derived N-glycans on E-glycoprotein is essential for dengue virus (DENV) infection in humans. Therefore, the specific interaction of DC-SIGN with N-glycans on E-glycoprotein is a promising target for development of virus replication inhibitors. This article discusses the findings of a recent report describing antiviral activities of carbohydrate-binding agents, such as lectins and a small molecular weight compound against DENV infection of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Several plant lectins and the small molecular weight compound Pladimicin-S showed potent inhibition of cellular infection by four DENV serotypes.