Selected Grantee Publications

Anti–Human Immunodeficiency Virus‑1 Activity of MoMo30 Protein Isolated from the Traditional African Medicinal Plant Momordica balsamina

Khan et al., Virology Journal. 2023.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10035133/

Momordica balsamina has been reported to produce a ribosome-inactivating protein with anti‑HIV-1 activity and is commonly used by traditional African healers for treatment of HIV. Investigators characterized the mechanism of action of the MoMo30 protein, as well as the sequence of the protein-coding gene. They reported that MoMo30 functions as a lectin or carbohydrate-binding agent (CBA) and inhibits HIV-1 at nanomolar levels, with minimal cellular toxicity at inhibitory levels. CBAs can block the binding of envelope glycoproteins with their target receptors on cells. Thus, this protein could represent a potential new treatment strategy for HIV. Supported by ORIP (R24OD010947), NCI, NIGMS, and NIMHD.