Molecular pharmacology of sulfated polysaccharides from Sargassum fusiforme: mechanistic insights into HIV inhibition and immune modulation- a review.

BACKGROUND

Sargassum fusiforme is a brown marine macroalga abundant in biologically active compounds, in particular, sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, and polyphenols. These bioactives have shown potential effects as antiviral agent particularly against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by regulating viral entry as well as host immune responses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is the critical summary of the molecular mechanisms of the anti-HIV activity of S. fusiforme bioactives and the assessment of their role in the regulation of immunity and inhibition of viruses.

STUDY

DESIGN

Complete literature based literature review on molecular pharmacology, antiviral pathways and immunomodulatory pathways of S. fusiforme bioactives.

METHODS

Database searches were conducted to reveal relevant peer-reviewed studies. The information on structural properties, molecular targets, and biological activities of S. fusiforme-derived products was coordinated through in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical models.

RESULTS

Fucoidans of S. fusiforme react with the HIV gp120 and chemokine co-receptors (CCR5 and CXCR4), subsequently blocking viral entry. These compounds also regulate intracellular signaling cascades such as NF- κB, JAK/STAT, PI3K/ Akt and MAPK/ERK, which contribute to decreased viral replication and immune response. The degree of sulfaction and molecular weight are structural parameters that impact greatly on antiviral potency. Nevertheless, there is scanty evidence about pharmacokinetics, target validation and clinical translation.

CONCLUSION

The S. fusiforme are the bioactive compound which have multitarget antiviral and immunomodulatory potentials and demonstrate potential as adjunctive therapeutic agents in management of HIV. To confirm the applicability of their therapeutic use, further mechanistic studies, standardized characterization, and clinical research are required.