Lectin contained in Fuji bean entangles with influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 and inactivates them.

It is said that the lectin contained in Fuji bean entangles with influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (new coronavirus) and inactivates them. It may become a protective spray in the near future.

The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and coronavirus spike (S) protein mediate virus entry. HA and S proteins are heavily glycosylated, making them potential targets for carbohydrate binding agents such as lectins. Here we show that the lectin FRIL, isolated from hyacinth beans (Lablab purpureus), has anti-influenza and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. FRIL can neutralize 11 representative human and avian influenza strains at low nanomolar concentrations, and intranasal administration of FRIL is protective against lethal H1N1 infection in mice…

A carbohydrate-binding protein from the edible Lablab beans effectively blocks the infections of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 #Lablab #influenza #SARSCoV2
Other social media channels: https://t.co/Qs12PWtaqxhttps://t.co/KSKU1zhnHr

— Atanas G. Atanasov (@_atanas_) July 27, 2020

h/t Tess