Antiviral activity of sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae and its application in combating COVID-19: Mini review

Abstract

Marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides possess various antiviral activities against a broad range of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. It has become the potential source of antiviral drugs for pharmaceutical development. In this review, we will discuss the different types of sulfated polysaccharides and their structural classification. Some of the major sulfated polysaccharides with potent antiviral activity, including carrageenan, agar, ulvan, fucoidan, and alginates, are considered in this review. The mechanism of these sulfated polysaccharides in inhibiting the different stages of the viral infection process inside the host cell is also demonstrated. It involves blocking the initial entry of the virus or inhibiting its transcription and translation by modulating the immune response of the host cell. In addition, we explore the potential of sulfated polysaccharides as antiviral agents in preventing recent Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Keywords: Drug development; Immune response; Respiratory syndrome; Structural classification; Sulfated galactans; Virucidal activity.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

(a–k): Chemical structure of Marine derived-sulfated polysaccharides.

Fig. 1

(a–k): Chemical structure of Marine derived-sulfated polysaccharides.

Fig. 2

Stages in life cycle of virus (Black) - (i) virus attachment, (ii) virus penetration and uncoating (iii) biosynthesis (iv) viral assembly (v) viral release. Mechanism of antiviral actions of Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) (Red)- (i) inhibit virus attachment (ii) inhibit virus penetration (iii) inhibit virus internalization and uncoating (iv) Inhibit virus transcription and replication process. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)