Mechanisms of Cytotoxic Activity of Lectins.

概要

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The biological effects of various plant lectins have been extensively investigated over the last 30 years. This interest was stimulated by initial findings made in 60s that some lectins are able to induce proliferation of human and animal lymphocytes. It was demonstrated that in parallel with their mitogenic ability lectins were able to induce the cytotoxic activity in T lymphocytes. Lectin-induced cytotoxicty of T lymphocytes was found to be antigen nonspecific and directed against various normal and malignant cells. The mechanisms of lectindependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC) was recently clarified and was found to be due to the ability of some lectins to bind and activate the T-cell receptor and trigger the intracellular signaling with activation of various genes resulting in production of various lymphokines. Some lectins were found to be directly cytotoxic and lysed various normal or malignant cells in the absence of lymphocytes. The mechanisms responsible for this direct lectin cytotoxicity remain unclear. Some experimental data indicate that lectins are able to kill cells via the induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis). This review will summarize studies of cytotoxic activities of lectins, mechanisms of their cytotoxicity and analyze possible biological significance of lectin cytotoxicity in humans and animals.
FCCA(Forum: Carbohydrates Coming of Age)の論文