title: Lectins, Interconnecting Proteins with Biotechnological/Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications.
abstract: Lectins are proteins extensively used in biomedical applications with property to recognize carbohydrates through carbohydrate-binding sites, which identify glycans attached to cell surfaces, glycoconjugates, or free sugars, detecting abnormal cells and biomarkers related to diseases. These lectin abilities promoted interesting results in experimental treatments of immunological diseases, wounds, and cancer. Lectins obtained from virus, microorganisms, algae, animals, and plants were reported as modulators and tool markers in vivo and in vitro; these molecules also play a role in the induction of mitosis and immune responses, contributing for resolution of infections and inflammations. Lectins revealed healing effect through induction of reepithelialization and cicatrization of wounds. Some lectins have been efficient agents against virus, fungi, bacteria, and helminths at low concentrations. Lectin-mediated bioadhesion has been an interesting characteristic for development of drug delivery systems. Lectin histochemistry and lectin-based biosensors are useful to detect transformed tissues and biomarkers related to disease occurrence; antitumor lectins reported are promising for cancer therapy. Here, we address lectins from distinct sources with some biological effect and biotechnological potential in the diagnosis and therapeutic of diseases, highlighting many advances in this growing field.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1013-0023
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Priscila Marcelino Dos Santos
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vera Lúcia de Menezes
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2581-9218
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Emmanuel Viana
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4399-3650
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Pontual
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Maria Guedes
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6928-0897
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Paiva
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Thiago Henrique
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0065-2602
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Napoleão
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50.670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Tereza Dos Santos
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4920-9975
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Correia