Anti -Hcv Lectin from Egyptian Pisum sativum

Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins expressed in plants, animals and microorganisms and have been used to probe the surface properties of a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The implication of some lectin molecules in several physiological processes has been claimed. The aim of this work is to purify the lectin from Egyptian pea (Pisum sativum) seeds and study its biochemical characterizations and potential as pharmaceutical compound. Egyptian Pea lectin seeds was purified by ion exchange chromatography (DEAE column) followed by Sephadex G 100 Column. Purified lectin showed Hemagglutinating activity with human and rabbit erythrocytes and appeared as one band of 32 kDa on SDS-PAGE gel, also amino acid analysis showed high content of glutamic and aspartic acids but very low levels of sulfur amino acids. The purified Egyptian pea (Pisum sativum) lectin showed high effect on HCV replication at concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 μg. Therefore, pea's lectins might consider as one of the natural compounds that can be used in designing a safe and effective anti HCV therapy.