Anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1 activity of MoMo30 protein isolated from the traditional African medicinal plant Momordica balsamina

Abstract

Background Plants are used in traditional healing practices of many cultures worldwide. Momordica balsamina is a plant commonly used by traditional African healers as a part of a treatment for HIV/AIDS. It is typically given as a tea to patients with HIV/AIDS. Water-soluble extracts of this plant were found to contain anti-HIV activity. Methods We employed cell-based infectivity assays, surface plasmon resonance, and a molecular-cell model of the gp120-CD4 interaction to study the mechanism of action of the MoMo30-plant protein. Using Edman degradation results of the 15 N-terminal amino acids, we determined the gene sequence of the MoMo30-plant protein from an RNAseq library from total RNA extracted from Momordica balsamina. Results Here, we identify the active ingredient of water extracts of the leaves of Momordica balsamina as a 30 kDa protein we call MoMo30-plant. We have identified the gene for MoMo30 and found it is homologous to a group of plant lectins known as Hevamine A-like proteins. MoMo30-plant is distinct from other proteins previously reported agents from the Momordica species, such as ribosome-inactivating proteins such as MAP30 and Balsamin. MoMo30-plant binds to gp120 through its glycan groups and functions as a lectin or carbohydrate-binding agent (CBA). It inhibits HIV-1 at nanomolar levels and has minimal cellular toxicity at inhibitory levels. Conclusions CBAs like MoMo30 can bind to glycans on the surface of the enveloped glycoprotein of HIV (gp120) and block entry. Exposure to CBAs has two effects on the virus. First, it blocks infection of susceptible cells. Secondly, MoMo30 drives the selection of viruses with altered glycosylation patterns, potentially altering their immunogenicity. Such an agent could represent a change in the treatment strategy for HIV/AIDS that allows a rapid reduction in viral loads while selecting for an underglycosylated virus, potentially facilitating the host immune response.

Momordica balsamina L.: A Plant with Multiple Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential—A Review

“…The M. balsamina plant exhibits remarkable anti-HIV potential. In fact, the plant protein MoMo30 (30 kDa protein), isolated from M. balsamina, effectively inhibits HIV-1 in vitro at nanomolar levels while exhibiting minimal cellular toxicity at inhibitory concentrations [48]. This finding is in line with the work of Coleman et al (2022) [49].…”

<em>Momordica balsamina</em> L.: A Plant with Multiple Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential. A Review

“…The Momordica balsamina plant has demonstrated anti-HIV properties. Specifically, the plant protein MoMo30, isolated from Momordica balsamina, has been found to effectively inhibit HIV-1 at nanomolar levels while exhibiting minimal cellular toxicity at inhibitory levels [22], which agrees with the work of Coleman et al (2022) [23]. Khumalo et al (2023) demonstrated that oral administration of Momordica balsamina to prediabetic rats attenuated diabetes-associated renal function abnormalities by reducing damage and restoring renal function.…”