| abstract |
The present application relates to a compositions and methods comprising or expressing a MOMO30 protein derived from Momordica balsamina. The MOMO30 protein is about 30 kDa in size, binds coronavirus S protein, is stable after being autoclaved at 120° C. for 30 min, resists proteolytic cleavage by trypsin, exhibits mannose-sensitive binding to coronavirus spike (S) protein, exhibits hemagglutinin and chitinase activity, is capable of activating and stimulating T cell proliferation, is capable of preventing infection by a coronavirus or alleviating symptoms in coronavirus infected patients and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The MOMO30 protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same may be used in methods for preventing or treating viral infections by coronaviruses and others. |