Innovative Approach Targets Viral Envelope Glycans as Potential Broad-Spectrum Antivirals

Scientists at the Nanoscience Initiative of the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center have made significant progress in antiviral research by focusing on a shared feature present on many virus surfaces: viral envelope glycans. These sugar molecules are structurally conserved across diverse viral families, making them an attractive target for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents. In their recent study published in Science Advances, the team screened 57 synthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs) designed to bind these glycans. They identified four promising compounds capable of preventing infection from seven different viruses, including Ebola, Marburg, Nipah, Hendra, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2, which span five unrelated viral groups. Remarkably, one of these compounds was tested in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, with 90% survival observed among treated animals compared to none in the control group. The compounds function by binding to viral envelope glycans, a novel mechanism that could be applicable to other infectious diseases, as well as cancer and immune disorders. This discovery paves the way for the development of a first-in-class broad-spectrum antiviral that could be deployed rapidly against future emerging viruses, addressing a critical gap in global health preparedness. The team plans to advance these compounds into clinical trials, aiming to establish a new line of defense against viral pandemics. For more details, refer to the original study here.