Short Communication: Manα1-2Man-Binding Anti-HIV Lectins Enhance the Exposure of V2i and V3 Crown Neutralization Epitopes on the V1/V2 and V3 Hypervariable Loops of HIV-1 Envelope.

This study aimed to explore the contribution of high-mannose glycans in the masking of conserved V3 crown (GPG) and V2i epitopes on the hypervariable loops of most exposed distal surface of HIV-1 Env. Using lectins specific to Manα1-2Man residue containing Man6-9 GlcNAc2 glycans extensively decorating HIV-1 Env, we found that Manα1-2Man-binding lectins enhance the exposure of these partially and transiently exposed epitopes and consequentially increase the neutralization strength of antibodies against these epitopes.