Hemorrhagic Fevers: Antiviral Effects and Molecular Targets of Biologically Active Polysaccharides and Lectins from Marine Aquatic Organisms

Abstract

The search and creation of etiotropic drugs is one of the most important tasks of modern virology. This review examines the antiviral influence of certain natural substances (sulfated polysaccharides and lectins from marine hydrobionts) on the causative agents of hemorrhagic fevers. Such compounds can be used as an alternative to synthetic drugs due to their low toxicity, rare side effects, and the absence of virus resistance. In addition to a strong antiviral effect, polysaccharides and lectins possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antitoxic properties, which are important for the relief of numerous disorders caused by the pathogens of viral hemorrhagic fevers. The prospects of using these compounds as the basis for the creation of new drugs and biologically active food additives are considered in the final part of the review.