In molecular biology, the CVNH domain (CyanoVirin-NHomology domain) is a conserved protein domain. It is found in the sugar-binding antiviral protein cyanovirin-N (CVN) as well as proteins from filamentous ascomycetes and in the fern Ceratopteris richardii.[1]
Cyanovirin-N (CV-N) is an 11-kDa protein from the cyanobacteriumNostoc ellipsosporum that displays virucidal activity against several viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS). The virucidal activity of CV-N is mediated through specific high-affinity interactions with the viral surface envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, as well as to high-mannose oligosaccharides found on the HIV envelope.[2] In addition, CV-N is active against rhinoviruses, human parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and enteric viruses. The virucidal activity of CV-N against influenza virus is directed towards viral haemagglutinin.[3] CV-N has a complex fold composed of a duplication of a tandem repeat of two homologous motifs comprising three-stranded beta sheet and beta hairpins.[4]
References
^Percudani R, Montanini B, Ottonello S (September 2005). "The anti-HIV cyanovirin-N domain is evolutionarily conserved and occurs as a protein module in eukaryotes". Proteins. 60 (4): 670–8. doi:10.1002/prot.20543. PMID16003744.
