Galectin-1 binds to influenza virus and ameliorates influenza virus pathogenesis

Mei Lin Yang, Yu Hung Chen, Shainn Wei Wang, Yen Jang Huang, Chia Hsing Leu, Nai Chi Yeh, Chun Yen Chu, Chia Cheng Lin, Gia Shing Shieh, Yuh Ling Chen, Jen Ren Wang, Ching Ho Wang, Chao Liang Wu, Ai Li Shiau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Innate immune response is important for viral clearance during influenza virus infection. Galectin-1, which belongs to S-type lectins, contains a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain that recognizes galactosecontaining oligosaccharides. Since the envelope proteins of influenza virus are highly glycosylated, we studied the role of galectin-1 in influenza virus infection in vitro and in mice. We found that galectin-1 was upregulated in the lungs of mice during influenza virus infection. There was a positive correlation between galectin-1 levels and viral loads during the acute phase of viral infection. Cells treated with recombinant human galectin-1 generated lower viral yields after influenza virus infection. Galectin-1 could directly bind to the envelope glycoproteins of influenza A/WSN/33 virus and inhibit its hemagglutination activity and infectivity. It also bound to different subtypes of influenza A virus with micromolar dissociation constant (K d) values and protected cells against influenza virus-induced cell death. We used nanoparticle, surface plasmon resonance analysis and transmission electron microscopy to further demonstrate the direct binding of galectin-1 to influenza virus. More importantly, we show for the first time that intranasal treatment of galectin-1 could enhance survival of mice against lethal challenge with influenza virus by reducing viral load, inflammation, and apoptosis in the lung. Furthermore, galectin-1 knockout mice were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than wild-type mice. Collectively, our results indicate that galectin-1 has anti-influenza virus activity by binding to viral surface and inhibiting its infectivity. Thus, galectin-1 may be further explored as a novel therapeutic agent for influenza.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10010-10020
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Virology
Volume85
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Oct

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Insect Science
  • Virology

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