Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP)

Moderate

Ribosome-inactivating protein (Type I RIP)

Mechanism of Action

PAP is an N-glycosidase that depurinates a specific adenine residue (A4324) in the 28S ribosomal RNA sarcin/ricin loop, irreversibly inactivating ribosomes and halting protein synthesis. This mechanism is potently antiviral as it prevents viral replication by destroying ribosomes in infected cells. PAP has been studied extensively as an anti-HIV agent due to its ability to inhibit viral replication in infected T-cells at concentrations that spare uninfected cells.

Research Notes

Poke RootWestern

PAP was shown in multiple in vitro studies to inhibit HIV-1 replication in chronically and acutely infected T-cell lines (H9, CEM) at nanomolar concentrations. Phase I clinical trials of PAP conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (immunotoxins) were conducted in HIV-positive patients in the 1990s at New York University, showing reductions in p24 antigen but also dose-limiting toxicities including myalgia and transient liver enzyme elevations. The approach was not pursued further due to the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy.

Found In 1 Herb

Poke Root

Western

3D Molecular Structure

Ribosome-inactivating protein (Type I RIP)

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Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP)

Ribosome-inactivating protein (Type I RIP)Bioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₄H₂NO

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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