FRIL Lectin Composition for SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is an urgent need for effective treatments and prevention methods against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as no specific medical treatments or vaccines have been approved, and existing lectins have not shown efficacy against this coronavirus.

Innovation Solution

The use of Flt3 receptor interacting lectin (FRIL) from Lablab purpureus, which exhibits antiviral activity by inhibiting and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, is administered to subjects to treat or prevent coronavirus infection, potentially combined with other therapeutic agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no specific medical treatments or vaccines are available for SARS-CoV-2, then the effectiveness of treatment options is insufficient, but using existing lectins that have shown antiviral activity against other viruses does not provide effective protection against SARS-CoV-2

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidbroad-spectrum antiviral activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses plant lectins as intermediary substances that mediate between the immune system and SARS-CoV-2. These lectins bind to viral glycoproteins and act as a bridge to facilitate viral neutralization and immune recognition, providing effective treatment without requiring direct interaction between the immune system and virus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing lectins are used for antiviral treatment, then broad antiviral properties are achieved, but specific efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 is not demonstrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantiviral activityVSAvoidspecific activity against SARS-CoV-2

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific plant lectins with particular glycan recognition specificities that match the glycans present on SARS-CoV-2 surface proteins. This targeted approach ensures that the lectin binds specifically to the coronavirus while maintaining the general mechanism of lectin-mediated viral neutralization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

FRIL effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, providing a means to treat and prevent coronavirus infection, with potential synergistic effects when combined with anti-viral drugs.

Implementation Method 1

Lectins recognize unique glycans displayed on glycoproteins. FRIL binds to the coronavirus presenting appropriate surface sugars (e.g., mannose).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLectin-glycan binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12599644B2Treatment of coronavirus infection with Flt3 receptor interacting lectin (FRIL)

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ACAD SINICA

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method for treating or preventing a coronavirus infection, which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising Flt3 receptor interacting lectin (FRIL) from Lablab purpureus. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, a Lablab purpureus FRIL, and an additional therapeutic agent.