Biological activities of PHA, WGA, jacalin and artocarpin lectins

Abstract

Lectins are ubiquitous (glyco)proteins, which exhibit a specific and reversibly carbohydrate binding activity. Because of their structural complexity and variability, they can participate in many physiological functions. Besides the blood groups identification, microorganism characterization and mitogenic immune cell proliferation, they are involved in the cell recognition and cell-cell interaction. In the present work we revised some biological activities of the PHA (Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin), WGA (wheat germ agglutinin), jacalin and artocarpin (Artocarpus integrifolia lectins). PHA, jacalin and artocarpin may stimulate lymphocyte proliferation, attract and activate mononuclear cells and stimulate endogenous citokines production. WGA is a nonmitogenic lectin, however it may stimulate neutrophil superoxide production. The understanding of the lectin biological activities may provide a basis for improving diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.