A protein compound derived from plants that shows antiviral properties by interfering with how viruses attach to or infect cells.
From cyto- (Greek kytos, 'cell') + virin (from Latin virus, 'poison, venom'). A modern term from phytopharmacology (plant medicine) research, particularly developed in studying plant compounds against viral infections.
Cytovirins are essentially plant-made antiviral weapons—researchers discovered that certain plants produce proteins that can jam up the locks viruses use to break into cells. This is why herbal medicine researchers study rainforest plants: they might contain natural cytovirins we could engineer into new treatments.
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