q-griffithsin

Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) is an engineered, oxidation-resistant recombinant variant of the potent antiviral lectin Griffithsin, which was originally isolated from the red alga *Griffithia sp.* The 'Q' designation refers to a specific mutation (typically M78Q) where an oxidation-sensitive methionine residue is replaced with glutamine, thereby enhancing the protein's stability during large-scale manufacturing and formulation. Q-GRFT acts as a broad-spectrum viral entry inhibitor by binding with high affinity and specificity to high-mannose oligosaccharides present on the envelope glycoproteins of various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and HIV-1. By binding to these glycans, Q-GRFT sterically hinders the interaction between the viral envelope (such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) and host cell receptors (such as ACE2), preventing viral entry and subsequent infection. Developed primarily by the University of Louisville as part of the PREVENT-CoV program, Q-GRFT is currently being investigated as an intranasal spray for the prophylaxis of COVID-19 and other coronavirus-related respiratory infections.

Brand names

Q-Griffithsin 3.0Q-Griffithsin3.0Q-Griffithsin-3.0

Other names

oxidation-resistant griffithsinM78Q-griffithsinM-78Q-griffithsinM 78Q-griffithsin