Use of lectins as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cancer

Plant lectins, from ancient sugar-binding proteins to emerging anti-cancer drugs in apoptosis and autophagy

Ubiquitously distributed in different plant species, plant lectins are highly diverse carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin. They have interesting pharmacological activities and currently are of great interest to thousands of people working on biomedical research in cancer-related problems. It has been widely accepted that plant lectins affect both apoptosis and autophagy by modulating representative signalling pathways involved in Bcl-2 family, caspase family, p53, PI3K/Akt, ERK, BNIP3, Ras-Raf and ATG families, in cancer. Plant lectins may have a role as potential new anti-tumour agents in cancer drug discovery. Thus, here we summarize these findings on pathway- involved plant lectins, to provide a comprehensive perspective for further elucidating their potential role as novel anti-cancer drugs, with respect to both apoptosis and autophagy in cancer pathogenesis, and future therapy.

Sclerotium rolfsii lectin induces stronger inhibition of proliferation in human breast cancer cells than normal human mammary epithelial cells by induction of cell apoptosis

Sclerotium rolfsii lectin (SRL) isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii has exquisite binding specificity towards O-linked, Thomsen-Freidenreich (Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr, TF) associated glycans. This study investigated the influence of SRL on proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and ZR-75), non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and normal mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). SRL caused marked, dose-dependent, inhibition of proliferation of MCF-7 and ZR-75 cells but only weak inhibition of proliferation of non-tumorigenic MCF-10A and HMEC cells. The inhibitory effect of SRL on cancer cell proliferation was shown to be a consequence of SRL cell surface binding and subsequent induction of cellular apoptosis, an effect that was largely prevented by the presence of inhibitors against caspases -3, -8, or -9. Lectin histochemistry using biotin-labelled SRL showed little binding of SRL to normal human breast tissue but intense binding to cancerous tissues. In conclusion, SRL inhibits the growth of human breast cancer cells via induction of cell apoptosis but has substantially less effect on normal epithelial cells. As a lectin that binds specifically to a cancer-associated glycan, has potential to be developed as an anti-cancer agent.

Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of tepary bean lectins on C33-A, MCF-7, SKNSH, and SW480 cell lines

For many years, several studies have been employing lectin from vegetables in order to prove its toxic effect on various cell lines. In this work, we analyzed the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and post-incubatory effect of pure tepary bean lectins on four lines of malignant cells: C33-A; MCF-7; SKNSH, and SW480. The tests were carried out employing MTT and 3[H]-thymidine assays. The results showed that after 24 h of lectin exposure, the cells lines showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, the effect being higher on MCF-7, while C33-A showed the highest resistance. Cell proliferation studies showed that the toxic effect induced by lectins is higher even when lectins are removed, and in fact, the inhibition of proliferation continues after 48 h. Due to the use of two techniques to analyze the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect, differences were observed in the results, which can be explained by the fact that one technique is based on metabolic reactions, while the other is based on the 3[H]-thymidine incorporated in DNA by cells under division. These results allow concluding that lectins exert a cytotoxic effect after 24 h of exposure, exhibiting a dose-dependent effect. In some cases, the cytotoxic effect is higher even when the lectins are eliminated, however, in other cases, the cells showed a proliferative effect.

Could plant lectins become promising anti-tumour drugs for causing autophagic cell death?

Plant lectins, a group of highly diverse carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin, are ubiquitously distributed through a variety of plant species, and have recently drawn rising attention due to their remarkable ability to kill tumour cells using mechanisms implicated in autophagy. In this review, we provide a brief outline of structures of some representative plant lectins such as concanavalin A, Polygonatum cyrtonema lectin and mistletoe lectins. These can target autophagy by modulating BNIP-3, ROS-p38-p53, Ras-Raf and PI3KCI-Akt pathways, as well as Beclin-1, in many types of cancer cells. In addition, we further discuss how plant lectins are able to kill cancer cells by modulating autophagic death, for therapeutic purposes. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive perspective concerning plant lectins as promising new anti-tumour drugs, with respect to autophagic cell death in future cancer therapeutics.

Medicinal Applications of Plant Lectins

Plant lectins are a unique group of proteins and glycoproteins with potent biological activity and have received widespread attention for many years. They can be found in wheat, corn, tomatoes, peanuts, kidney beans, bananas, peas, lentils, soybeans, mushrooms, tubers, seeds, mistletoe and potatoes among many others. Due to their ability to bind reversibly with specific carbohydrate structures and their abundant availability, plant lectins have commonly been used as a molecular tool in various disciplines of biology and medicine. Whilst once thought of being a dietary toxin, the focus on plant lectins has since shifted to understanding the useful properties of these lectins and utilizing them in medicinal applications to advance human health. This chapter reviews the current and potential applications of plant lectins in various areas of medically related research.

Staining tumor cells with biotinylated ACL-I, a lectin isolated from the marine sponge, Axinella corrugata

Axinella corrugata lectin 1 (ACL-1) was purified from aqueous extracts of the marine sponge, Axinella corrugata. ACL-1 strongly agglutinates native rabbit erythrocytes. The hemagglutination is inhibited by N-acetyl derivatives, particularly N, N', N"-triacetylchitotriose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-mannosamine and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. We investigated the capacity of biotinylated ACL-1 to stain several transformed cell lines including breast (T-47D, MCF7), colon (HT-29), lung (H460), ovary (OVCAR-3) and bladder (T24). ACL-I may bind to both monosaccharides and oligosaccharides of tumor cells, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-D- glucosamine glycan types. The lectins are useful, not only as markers and diagnostic parameters, but also for tissue mapping in suspicious neoplasms. In addition, they provide a better understanding of neoplasms at the cytological and molecular levels. Furthermore, the use of potential metastatic markers such as lectins is crucial for developing successful tools for therapy against cancer. We observed that biotinylated ACL-I stains tumor cells and may hold potential as a probe for identifying transformed cells and for studying glycan structures synthesized by such cells.

Holothuria grisea agglutinin (HGA): the first invertebrate lectin with anti-inflammatory effects

Holothuria grisea agglutinin (HGA) is a dimeric lectin of molecular mass 228 kDa by gel filtration with monomers of 105 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The lectin is highly thermostable as it retains full activity for 1 h at 70 °C. Unlike other lectins purified from marine invertebrates, the hemagglutination activity of HGA does not require any divalent metal ions. The affinity analysis of HGA showed that only mucin was able to inhibit the hemagglutinating activity. HGA administered intravenously was tested in classical models of nociception and inflammation. HGA was able to inhibit neutrophil migration into the peritoneal cavity induced by carrageenan. This inhibitory effect was 68% at a dose of 1 mg/kg. In acetic acid-induced writhing tests, a significant antinociceptive effect was observed by treatment with HGA (0.1; 1 or 10 mg/kg) reducing constrictions by 27, 90 and 84%, respectively. In formalin tests, HGA at a dose of 10 mg/kg showed antinociceptive effect only in the inflammatory phase (phase 2). Nevertheless, in hot-plate tests, HGA did not show any nociceptive effect. In rota-rod and open-field tests, HGA did not alter the animals' behavior. The treatment with HGA 10 mg/kg presented diminished myeloperoxidase activity activity (81.6% inhibition) and raised the circulating levels of NO by 50.4% when compared with the carrageenan group. HGA has demonstrated the ability to modulate the inflammatory response in models of inflammation in vivo. HGA is the first marine invertebrate lectin that showed an anti-inflammatory effect. This finding opens a new perspective on the potential of lectins from the marine environment.

The TF-antigen binding lectin from Sclerotium rolfsii inhibits growth of human colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis in vitro and suppresses tumor growth in vivo

Glycan array analysis of Sclerotium rolfsii lectin (SRL) revealed its exquisite binding specificity to the oncofetal Thomsen-Friedenreich (Galβ1-3GalNAcα-O-Ser/Thr, T or TF) antigen and its derivatives. This study shows that SRL strongly inhibits the growth of human colon cancer HT29 and DLD-1 cells by binding to cell surface glycans and induction of apoptosis through both the caspase-8 and -9 mediated signaling. SRL showed no or very weak binding to normal human colon tissues but strong binding to cancerous and metastatic tissues. Intratumor injection of SRL at subtoxic concentrations in NOD-SCID mice bearing HT29 xenografts resulted in total tumor regression in 9 days and no subsequent tumor recurrence. As the increased expression of TF-associated glycans is commonly seen in human cancers, SRL has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for cancer.

Multiple lectin detection by cell membrane affinity binding

Assuming that lectins evolved to recognise relatively complex and branched oligosaccharides or parts of them, rather than simple sugars, a procedure based on lectin affinity binding to isolated erythrocyte (or any other cell type) membranes is proposed. This methodology was validated using six pure commercial lectins, as well as lectins from total protein extracts of Arbutus unedo leaves. All commercial lectins, as well as five polypeptides from A. unedo leaves bound to the glycosylated membrane receptors and were eluted by the corresponding sugars. When compared to the standard affinity chromatography procedure involving an individual sugar bound to a solid matrix, the new method provides a single-step, effective detection method for lectins and allows the rapid screening of their profile present in any unknown protein solution, indicates their biological carbohydrate affinities as well as their sugar specificities (if any), enables the simultaneous analysis of a large number of samples, does not require any pre-purification steps, permits detection of additional lectins and provides data which are more relevant from the physiological point of view.

Antiproliferative effects of galectin-1 from Rana catesbeiana eggs on human leukemia cells and its binding proteins in human cells

Galectin-1 from American bullfrog, RCG1, was isolated to high purity, and its growth inhibitory properties against human cells were examined. The results demonstrated that highly purified RCG1 induced large cell aggregates and revealed cell-type-specific growth inhibition. It significantly inhibited all human leukemia cell lines tested such as HL-60, U937, and K562 cells but did not inhibit human colon cancer cell line, Colo 201, or mouse mammary tumor cell line FM3A cells. Although most of the galectin-induced growth inhibitions are known to be apoptic, RCG1 induced growth arrest and neither apoptosis nor necrosis. RCG1-mediated growth inhibition was specifically suppressed by the corresponding sugar, lactose, but not by sucrose or even the structurally similar sugar, melibiose. Several studies have reported that galectin-mediated biological functions were modulated by charge modification. Since the high purity of RCG1 was demonstrated but a moderate degree of growth inhibition occurred, it is possible protein charge modification was examined by isoelectric focusing, and it was found to be highly heterogeneous in charge. RCG1 binding proteins in human cells were analyzed by lectin blotting using biotinylated RCG1, and lectin blotting revealed that in human cell extracts the specific proteins at molecular weight 37 and 50 kDa possessed the responsive features of RCG1 binding and lactose competition.

Plant lectins: targeting programmed cell death pathways as antitumor agents

Lectins, a group of highly diverse, carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin that are ubiquitously distributed in plants, animals and fungi, are well-characterized to have numerous links a wide range of pathological processes, most notably cancer. In this review, we present a brief outline of the representative plant lectins including Ricin-B family, proteins with legume lectin domains and GNA family that can induce cancer cell death via targeting programmed cell death pathways. Amongst these above-mentioned lectins, we demonstrate that mistletoe lectins (MLs), Ricin, Concanavalin A (ConA) and Polygonatum cyrtonema lectin (PCL) can lead to cancer cell programmed death via targeting apoptotic pathways. In addition, we show that ConA and PCL can also result in cancer cell programmed death by targeting autophagic pathways. Moreover, we summarize the possible anti-cancer therapeutic implications of plant lectins such as ConA, Phaseolus vulgaris lectin (PHA) and MLs that have been utilized at different stages of preclinical and clinical trials. Together, these findings can provide a comprehensive perspective for further elucidating the roles of plant lectins that may target programmed cell death pathways in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics. And, this research may, in turn, ultimately help cancer biologists and clinicians to exploit lectins as potential novel antitumor drugs in the future.

Purification and characterization of a rhamnose-binding chinook salmon roe lectin with antiproliferative activity toward tumor cells and nitric oxide-inducing activity toward murine macrophages

In this study, a rhamnose-binding lectin from the roe of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) was purified and characterized, and its biological activities were examined in several model systems. Chinook salmon roe lectin had a molecular mass of 30 kDa and agglutinated rabbit and bovine erythrocytes. The hemagglutination activity of the lectin was not affected by metal ions. The lectin was stable up to 70 °C and between pH 4 and pH 11. Chinook salmon roe lectin did not exert antifungal activity toward the fungal species tested and did not exhibit mitogenic response toward mouse splenocytes up to a concentration of 5 mg/mL. The lectin had selective antiproliferative activity toward human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and hepatoma Hep G2 cells. It also induced the production of nitric oxide from mouse peritoneal macrophages. This is the first report that demonstrates these biological activities from chinook salmon roe lectin.

A glycobiology review: carbohydrates, lectins and implications in cancer therapeutics

This review is intended for general readers who would like a basic foundation in carbohydrate structure and function, lectin biology, and the implications of glycobiology in human health and disease, particularly in cancer therapeutics. These topics are among the hundreds included in the field of glycobiology and are treated here because they form the cornerstone of glycobiology or the focus of many advances in this rapidly expanding field.

Adherence of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis to epithelial cells correlates with fungal cell surface carbohydrates

Many studies have described the adherence of Candida albicans to epithelial cells but little is known about Candida parapsilosis adhesion and its role in host cell surface recognition. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between the adherence of 20 C. albicans and 12 C. parapsilosis strains to human buccal epithelial cells and the expression of fungal cell surface carbohydrates using lectin histochemistry. Adherence assays were carried out by incubating epithelial cells in yeast suspensions (10(7) cells ml(-1) ) and peroxidase conjugated lectins (Con A, WGA, UEA I and PNA at 25 μg ml(-1) ) were used for lectin histochemistry. The results showed that adherence was overall greater for C. albicans than for C. parapsilosis (P < 0.01) and that the individual strain differences correlated with a high content of cell surface α-l-fucose residues as indicated by the UEA I staining pattern. Based on the saccharide specificity of the lectins used, these results suggest that l-fucose residues on cell surface glycoconjugates may represent recognition molecules for interactions between the yeast strain studied and the host (r = 0.6985, P = 0.0045). In addition, our results indicated the presence of α-d-glucose/α-d-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine/N-acetylneuraminic acid and D-galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine in fungal cell wall.

Search for hydrophilic marine fungal metabolites: a rational approach for their production and extraction in a bioactivity screening context

In the search for bioactive natural products, our lab screens hydrophobic extracts from marine fungal strains. While hydrophilic active substances were recently identified from marine macro-organisms, there was a lack of reported metabolites in the marine fungi area. As such, we decided to develop a general procedure for screening of hydrophobic metabolites. The aim of this study was to compare different processes of fermentation and extraction, using six representative marine fungal strains, in order to define the optimized method for production. The parameters studied were (a) which polar solvent to select, (b) which fermentation method to choose between solid and liquid cultures, (c) which raw material, the mycelium or its medium, to extract and (d) which extraction process to apply. The biochemical analysis and biological evaluations of obtained extracts led to the conclusion that the culture of marine fungi by agar surface fermentation followed by the separate extraction of the mycelium and its medium by a cryo-crushing and an enzymatic digestion with agarase, respectively, was the best procedure when screening for hydrophilic bioactive metabolites. During this development, several bioactivities were detected, confirming the potential of hydrophilic crude extracts in the search for bioactive natural products.

Mushroom lectins: current status and future perspectives

Lectins are nonimmune proteins or glycoproteins that bind specifically to cell surface carbohydrates, culminating in cell agglutination. These are known to play key roles in host defense system and also in metastasis. Many new sources have been explored for the occurrence of lectins during the last few years. Numerous novel lectins with unique specificities and exploitable properties have been discovered. Mushrooms have attracted a number of researchers in food and pharmaceuticals. Many species have long been used in traditional Chinese medicines or functional foods in Japan and other Asian countries. A number of bioactive constituents have been isolated from mushrooms including polysaccharides, polysaccharopeptides, polysaccharide-protein complexes, proteases, ribonucleases, ribosome inactivating proteins, antifungal proteins, immunomodulatory proteins, enzymes, lectins, etc. Mushroom lectins are endowed with mitogenic, antiproliferative, antitumor, antiviral, and immune stimulating potential. In this review, an attempt has been made to collate the information on mushroom lectins, their blood group and sugar specificities, with an emphasis on their biomedical potential and future perspectives.

Recognition of galactose-deficient O-glycans in the hinge region of IgA1 by N-acetylgalactosamine-specific snail lectins: a comparative binding study

Aberrancies in IgA1 glycosylation have been linked to the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney disease characterized by deposits of IgA1-containing immune complexes in the glomerular mesangium. IgA1 from IgAN patients is characterized by the presence of galactose (Gal)-deficient O-glycans in the hinge region that can act as epitopes for anti-glycan IgG or IgA1 antibodies. The resulting circulating immune complexes are trapped in the glomerular mesangium of the kidney where they trigger localized inflammatory responses by activating mesangial cells. Certain lectins recognize the terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-containing O-glycans on Gal-deficient IgA1 and can be potentially used as diagnostic tools. To improve our understanding of GalNAc recognition by these lectins, we have conducted binding studies to assess the interaction of Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA) and Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) with Gal-deficient IgA1. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy revealed that both HAA and HPA bind to a Gal-deficient synthetic hinge region glycopeptide (HR-GalNAc) as well as various aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 myeloma proteins. Despite having six binding sites, both HAA and HPA bind IgA1 in a functionally bivalent manner, with the apparent affinity for IgA1 related to the number of exposed GalNAc groups in the IgA1 hinge. Finally, HAA and HPA were shown to discriminate very effectively between the IgA1 secreted by cell lines derived from peripheral blood cells of patients with IgAN and that from cells of healthy controls. These studies provide insight into lectin recognition of the Gal-deficient IgA1 hinge region and lay the groundwork for the development of reliable diagnostic tools for IgAN.

Discoidin I from Dictyostelium discoideum and Interactions with oligosaccharides: specificity, affinity, crystal structures, and comparison with discoidin II

Discoidin I (DiscI) and discoidin II (DiscII) are N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-binding proteins from Dictyostelium discoideum. They consist of two domains: an N-terminal discoidin domain and a C-terminal H-type lectin domain. They were cloned and expressed in high yield in recombinant form in Escherichia coli. Although both lectins bind galactose (Gal) and GalNAc, glycan array experiments performed on the recombinant proteins displayed strong differences in their specificity for oligosaccharides. DiscI and DiscII bind preferentially to Gal/GalNAcbeta1-3Gal/GalNAc-containing and Gal/GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-6Gal/GalNAc-containing glycans, respectively. The affinity of the interaction of DiscI with monosaccharides and disaccharides was evaluated using isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. The three-dimensional structures of native DiscI and its complexes with GalNAc, GalNAcbeta1-3Gal, and Galbeta1-3GalNAc were solved by X-ray crystallography. DiscI forms trimers with involvement of calcium at the monomer interface. The N-terminal discoidin domain presents a structural similarity to F-type lectins such as the eel agglutinin, where an amphiphilic binding pocket suggests possible carbohydrate-binding activity. In the C-terminal H-type lectin domain, the GalNAc residue establishes specific hydrogen bonds that explain the observed affinity (K(d)=3x10(-4) M). The different specificities of DiscI and DiscII for oligosaccharides were rationalized from the different structures obtained by either X-ray crystallography or molecular modeling.

Lectins from the Red Marine Algal Species Bryothamnion seaforthii and Bryothamnion triquetrum as Tools to Differentiate Human Colon Carcinoma Cells

The carbohydrate-binding activity of the algal lectins from the closely related red marine algal species Bryothamnion triquetrum (BTL) and Bryothamnion seaforthii (BSL) was used to differentiate human colon carcinoma cell variants with respect to their cell membrane glyco-receptors. These lectins interacted with the cells tested in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the fluorescence spectra of both lectins clearly differentiated the cells used as shown by FACS profiles. Furthermore, as observed by confocal microscopy, BTL and BSL bound to cell surface glycoproteins underwent intense internalization, which makes them possible tools in targeting strategies.

Plant lectins: potential antineoplastic drugs from bench to clinic

Plant lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins distributed widely in a variety of plant species, have drawn a rising attention for cancer biologists due to their remarkable anti-tumour properties. In this review, we present a brief outline of the up-to-date advances of plant lectins in elucidating their complex anti-cancer mechanisms implicated in apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, we further discuss the pre-clinical and clinical studies of plant lectins for their potential therapeutic applications. In conclusion, these inspiring findings would open a new perspective for plant lectins as potential antineoplastic drugs from bench to clinic.

Lectin of Concanavalin A as an anti-hepatoma therapeutic agent

Liver cancer is the predominant cause of cancer mortality in males of Southern China and Taiwan. The current therapy is not satisfactory, and more effective treatments are needed. In the search for new therapies for liver tumor, we found that Concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin from Jack bean seeds, can have a potent anti-hepatoma effect. Con A after binding to the mannose moiety on the cell membrane glycoprotein is internalized preferentially to the mitochondria. An autophagy is triggered which leads to cell death. Con A as a T cell mitogen subsequently activates the immune response in the liver and results in the eradication of the tumor in a murine in situ hepatoma model. The liver tumor nodule formation is inhibited by the CD8⁺ T cells, and a tumor antigen-specific immune memory is established during the hepatic inflammation. The dual properties (autophagic cytotoxicity and immunomodulation) via the specific carbohydrate binding let Con A exert a potent anti-hepatoma therapeutic effect. The novel mechanism of the Con A anti-hepatoma effect is discussed. The prototype of Con with an anti-hepatoma activity gives support to the search for other natural lectins as anti-cancer compounds.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of bidesmosidic betulin and betulinic acid saponins

The naturally occurring cytotoxic saponin 28-O-beta-d-glucopyranosylbetulinic acid 3beta-O-alpha-l-arabinopyranoside (3) was easily synthesized along with seven bidesmosidic saponins starting from the lupane-type triterpenoids betulin (1) and betulinic acid (2). As highlighted by the preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation against A549, DLD-1, MCF7, and PC-3 human cancer cell lines, the bidesmosidic betulin saponin 22a, bearing alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside moieties at both C-3 and C-28 positions, was determined to be a potent cytotoxic agent (IC(50) 1.8-1.9 microM).

Carbohydrate-based experimental therapeutics for cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases

This review, primarily for general readers, briefly presents experimental approaches to therapeutics of cancer, HIV/AIDS and various other diseases based on advances in glycobiology and glycochemistry. Experimental cancer and HIV/AIDS vaccines are being developed in attempts to overcome weak immunological responses to carbohydrate-rich surface antigens using carriers, adjuvants and novel carbohydrate antigen constructs. Current carbohydrate-based vaccines are used for typhus, pneumonia, meningitis; vaccines for anthrax, malaria and leishmaniasis are under development. The link between O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine glycosylation and protein phosphorylation in diseases including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease is also explored. Carbohydrate-associated drugs that are in current use or under development, such as heparan sulfate binders, lectins, acarbose, aminoglycosides, tamiflu and heparin, and technologies using carbohydrate and lectin microarrays that offer improved diagnostic and drug development possibilities, are described. Advances in carbohydrate synthesis, analysis and manipulation through the emerging fields of glycochemistry and glycobiology are providing new approaches to disease therapeutics.

Cytotoxic effect of achatinin(H) (lectin) from Achatina fulica against a human mammary carcinoma cell line (MCF7)

The hemolymph-derived achatinin(H) (lectin) from Achatina fulica showed a marked cytotoxic effect on MCF7, a human mammary carcinoma cell line. IC(50) values as measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay for achatinin(H) ranged from 6 to 10 microg/ml in the MCF7 cells. MCF7 cells showed significant morphological changes leading to cell death. The above cell death was observed after 48 h of treatment with 8 microg/ml when compared to untreated cells. Alterations in the tumor marker enzymes, as well as in antioxidant enzymes, were observed after achatinin(H) treatment. The specificity and purity of the achatinin(H) was confirmed by the Western blot assay. Achatinin(H) binding to MCF7 cells was detected by anti-achatinin(H), and visualization of the achatinin(H) binding sites on confluent MCF7 cells was confirmed by flourescein isothiocyanate conjugated secondary antibody. MCF7-treated cells fluoresced, indicating the presence of achatinin(H) binding sites. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of the cell cycle showed a significant increase in S-phase in MCF7 cells after 48 h of achatinin(H) treatment. The cells were arrested in G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle after 48 h with significant changes in cell viability. Cellular damage was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis with the characteristic appearance of a DNA streak in treated MCF7 cells indicating the ongoing apoptosis.

Lectin binding and effects in culture on human cancer and non-cancer cell lines: examination of issues of interest in drug design strategies

By using a non-cancer and a cancer cell line originally from the same tissue (colon), coupled with testing lectins for cell binding and for their effects on these cell lines in culture, this study describes a simple multi-parameter approach that has revealed some interesting results that could be useful in drug development strategies. Two human cell lines, CCL-220/Colo320DM (human colon cancer cells, tumorigenic in nude mice) and CRL-1459/CCD-18Co (non-malignant human colon cells) were tested for their ability to bind to agarose microbeads derivatized with two lectins, peanut agglutinin (Arachis hypogaea agglutinin, PNA) and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), and the effects of these lectins were assessed in culture using the MTT assay. Both cell lines bound to DBA-derivatized microbeads, and binding was inhibited by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, but not by L-fucose. Neither cell line bound to PNA-derivatized microbeads. Despite the lack of lectin binding using the rapid microbead method, PNA was mitogenic in culture at some time points and its mitogenic effect displayed a reverse-dose response. This was also seen with effects of DBA on cells in culture. While this is a simple study, the results were statistically highly significant and suggest that: (1) agents may not need to bind strongly to cells to exert biological effects, (2) cell line pairs derived from diseased and non-diseased tissue can provide useful comparative data on potential drug effects and (3) very low concentrations of potential drugs might be initially tested experimentally because reverse-dose responses should be considered.

Reactivities of N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lectins with human IgA1 proteins

Lectins are proteins with specificity of binding to certain monosaccharides or oligosaccharides. They can detect abnormal glycosylation patterns on immunoglobulins in patients with various chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, lectins exhibit binding heterogeneity, depending on their source and methods of isolation. To characterize potential differences in recognition of terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) on IgA1, we evaluated the binding characteristics of several commercial preparations of GalNAc-specific lectins using a panel of IgA1 and, as controls, IgA2 and IgG myeloma proteins. These lectins originated from snails Helix aspersa (HAA) and Helix pomatia (HPA), and the plant Vicia villosa (VV). Only HAA and HPA bound exclusively to IgA1, with its O-linked glycans composed of GalNAc, galactose, and sialic acid. In contrast, VV reacted with sugars of both IgA subclasses and IgG, indicating that it also recognized N-linked glycans without GalNAc. Furthermore, HAA and HPA from several manufacturers differed in their ability to bind various IgA1 myeloma proteins and other GalNAc-containing glycoproteins in ELISA and Western blot. For serum samples from IgAN patients, HAA was the optimal lectin to study IgA1 glycosylation in ELISA and Western blot assays, including identification of the sites of attachment of the aberrant glycans. The galactose-deficient glycans were site-specific, localized mostly at Thr228 and/or Ser230. Because of the heterogeneity of GalNAc-specific lectins, they should be carefully characterized with appropriate substrates before undertaking any study.

Purification of 3 monomeric monocot mannose-binding lectins and their evaluation for antipoxviral activity: potential applications in multiple viral diseases caused by enveloped viruses

Three monomeric monocot lectins from Zephyranthes carinata, Zephyranthes candida, and Gloriosa superba with carbohydrate specificity towards mannose derivatives and (or) oligomannose have been isolated and purified from their storage tissues. The lectins were purified by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE–Sephacyl and by gel filtration chromatography on Biogel P-200 followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified lectins, Z. carinata, Z. candida, and G. superba had molecular masses of 12, 11.5, and 12.5 kDa, respectively, as determined by gel filtration and SDS–PAGE, indicating that they are monomers. In a hapten inhibition assay, methyl-α-d-mannopyranoside inhibited agglutination of both Z. candida and Z. carinata; the latter was also inhibited by Man(α1-2)Man and Man(α1-3)Man. Gloriosa superba showed inhibition only with Man(α1-4)Man of all of the sugars and glycoproteins tested. All purified lectins agglutinated red blood cells from rabbit, whereas G. superba was also reactive towards erythrocytes from guinea pig. All of the lectins were nonglycosylated and did not require metal ions for their activity. They were labile above 60 °C and were affected by denaturing agents such as urea, thiourea, and guanidine–HCl. The lectins were virtually nonmitogenic, like other members of Amaryllidaceae and Liliaceae. Of the 3 lectins, G. superba was found to be highly toxic to the BSC-1 cell line (African green monkey kidney epithelial cells), while both of the Zephyranthes species showed significant in vitro inhibition of poxvirus replication in BSC-1 cells without any toxic effects to the cells. In addition, Z. candida also exhibited significant anticancer activity against SNB-78, a CNS human cancer cell line.

Concanavalin A induces autophagy in hepatoma cells and has a therapeutic effect in a murine in situ hepatoma model

Concanavalin A (ConA), a lectin with mannose specificity that can induce acute hepatic inflammation, was tested for its therapeutic effect against hepatoma. ConA is cytotoxic or inhibitory to hepatoma cells, which is mediated by the autophagic pathway through mitochondria. Once it was bound to cell membrane glycoproteins, the ConA was internalized and preferentially localized onto the mitochondria. The mitochondria membrane permeability changed, and an autophagic pathway including LC3-II generation, double-layer vesicle, BNIP3 induction, and acidic vesicular organelle formation was induced. Either 3-MA or siRNA for BNIP3 and LC3, but neither beclin-1 nor ATG 5, partially inhibited the ConA-induced cell death. In addition to the autophagy induction, ConA is known to be a T cell mitogen. Using an in situ hepatoma model, ConA can exert an anti-hepatoma therapeutic effect, inhibiting tumor nodule formation in the liver and prolonging survival.

CONCLUSION

ConA can be considered as an anti-hepatoma agent therapeutically because of its autophagic induction and immunomodulating activity. This dual function of ConA provides a novel mechanism for the biological effect of lectin.

Structural basis for the specificity of basic winged bean lectin for the Tn-antigen: a crystallographic, thermodynamic and modelling study

The crystal structure of winged bean basic agglutinin in complex with GalNAc-alpha-O-Ser (Tn-antigen) has been elucidated at 2.35 angstroms resolution in order to characterize the mode of binding of Tn-antigen with the lectin. The Gal moiety occupies the primary binding site and makes interactions similar to those found in other Gal/GalNAc specific legume lectins. The nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the acetamido group of the sugar make two hydrogen bonds with the protein atoms whereas its methyl group is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. A water bridge formed between the terminal oxygen atoms of the serine residue of the Tn-antigen and the side chain oxygen atom of Asn128 of the lectin increase the affinity of the lectin for Tn-antigen compared to that for GalNAc. A comparison with the available structures reveals that while the interactions of the glyconic part of the antigen are conserved, the mode of stabilization of the serine residue differs and depends on the nature of the protein residues in its vicinity. The structure provides a qualitative explanation for the thermodynamic parameters of the complexation of the lectin with Tn-antigen. Modeling studies indicate the possibility of an additional hydrogen bond with the lectin when the antigen is part of a glycoprotein.

Isolation of an N-acetyl-D-glucosamine specific lectin from the rhizomes of Arundo donax with antiproliferative activity

A lectin with antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cell lines and mitogenic towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was purified from the rhizomes of Arundo donax (Linn.) by affinity chromatography on N-acetyl-d-glucosamine linked to epoxy-activated sepharose-6B. The pure preparation apparently yielded a single band of approximately 15 kDa on SDS-PAGE, pH 8.3, under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. The molecular mass of native lectin was 32 kDa as determined by gel filtration chromatography. This showed the lectin to be a dimer, with subunits not held together by disulphide linkages. The A. donax lectin (ADL) agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes and the agglutination was inhibited by N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and its di- and trimer. The lectin was thermostable upto 55 degrees C and showed optimum activity in the range of pH 7.0-9.0 and comprised of 2.1% carbohydrate content.

Gastrointestinal patch systems for oral drug delivery

Gastrointestinal patch systems with integrated multifunctions could surmount the challenges associated with conventional drug delivery. Several gastrointestinal patch systems provide bioadhesion, drug protection and unidirectional release. This combination of function could improve the overall oral bioavailability of large molecules that can currently be delivered only by injection, for example, epoetin-alpha and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor, which are commonly used to treat chemotherapy-associated anemia and leukopenia, respectively. Furthermore, self-regulated release and cell-specific targeting provide additional 'smart' characteristics to this innovative therapeutic platform.

The synergistic effect of phytohemagglutinin and interferon-gamma on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from RAW 264.7 cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a major cytokine of host immune reaction by foreign agents. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a dynamic contributor to mitogenic stimulation and augmentation of host immune defense. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces induction of cytokines in macrophages and lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to examine the synergistic effects of PHA plus low dose IFN-gamma on TNF-alpha mRNA production, cytosolic levels, and secretion in RAW 264.7 cells. The cells were stimulated with PHA or IFN-gamma using various concentrations for various times. The effects of PHA on TNF-alpha expression appeared in dose- and time-dependent manners. The maximum doses of PHA and IFN-gamma to produce them were 300 microg/ml PHA and 10 ng/ml IFN-gamma. The optimum time of PHA for the TNF-alpha mRNA production and release were 6 and 7 h after stimulation, respectively, whereas the time of IFN-gamma on them was achieved at 3 and 8 h. Although the TNF-alpha mRNA production, cytosolic levels, and secretion from the cells were slightly detected under 10 microg/ml PHA and 1 ng/ml IFN-gamma, the combination of PHA (10 microg/ml) and IFN-gamma (1 ng/ml) greatly increased them, indicating the synergistic effect of PHA plus low dose IFN-gamma on TNF-alpha expression.

Lectin-mediated drug delivery in the oral cavity

The delivery of therapeutic agents to, or via, the oral cavity is limited by the efficient removal mechanisms that exist in this area. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins that bind to specific sugar residues, and can, therefore, interact with the glycoconjugates present on cell surfaces or salivary mucins. Endogenous lectins could also be used as points of attachment for carbohydrate-containing delivery systems. This review considers the possibility of using lectins as targeting agents within the oral cavity and reports on some of the limited number of studies completed to date. As lectins are multifunctional molecules, the possibility of using them as both targeting and therapeutic agents is considered. Lectin-containing delivery systems are a potential innovation for targeted and prolonged therapy within the oral cavity, but considerations such as toxicity and cost will need to be addressed before their routine use becomes a reality.

Thrombomodulin-mediated cell adhesion: involvement of its lectin-like domain

Thrombomodulin (TM) is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is a potent anticoagulant factor. TM may also possess functions distinct from its anticoagulant activity. Here the influence of TM on cell adhesion was studied in TM-negative melanoma A2058 cells transfected with green fluorescent protein-tagged TM (TMG) or lectin domain-deleted TM (TMG(DeltaL)). Confocal microscopy demonstrated that both TMG and TMG(DeltaL) were distributed in the plasma membrane. TMG-expressed cells grew as closely clustered colonies, with TM localized prominently in the intercellular boundaries. TMG(DeltaL)-expressed cells grew singly. Overexpression of TMG, but not TMG(DeltaL), decreased monolayer permeability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The cell-to-cell adhesion in TMG-expressed cells was Ca2+-dependent and was inhibited by monoclonal antibody against the lectin-like domain of TM. The effects of TM-mediated cell adhesion were abolished by the addition of mannose, chondroitin sulfate A, or chondroitin sulfate C. In addition, anti-lectin-like domain antibody disrupted the close clustering of the endogenous TM-expressed keratinocyte HaCaT cell line derived from normal human epidermis. Double-labeling immunofluorescence staining revealed similar distributions of TM and actin filament in the cortex region of the TMG-expressed cells. Thus, TM can function as a Ca2+-dependent cell-to-cell adhesion molecule. Binding of specific carbohydrates to the lectin-like domain is essential for this specific function.

Fungal lectin, XCL, is internalized via clathrin-dependent endocytosis and facilitates uptake of other molecules

The lectin isolated from Xerocomus chrysenteron (XCL) displays a toxic activity towards insects. In order to assess its possible mode of action and to gather useful data for its potential use in insect-resistant transgenic plants, we investigated the effects of XCL at the cellular level. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies revealed that XCL is rapidly internalized into small endocytic vesicles that further coalesce in the perinuclear region. We show that XCL is endocytosed by the clathrin-dependent pathway, and is delivered to late endosome/lysosome compartments. The internalization of XCL seems to be general since it occurs in different cell types such as insect (SF9) or mammalian (NIH-3T3 and Hela) cell lines. In the presence of XCL, the uptake of GFP and BSA is greatly enhanced, demonstrating that XCL facilitates endocytosis. Thus, XCL could serve as a delivery agent to facilitate the endocytosis of proteins that do not enter the cell alone.

An antitumour lectin from the edible mushroom Agrocybe aegerita

An antitumour lectin (named AAL) consisting of two identical subunits of 15.8 kDa was isolated from the fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Agrocybe aegerita using a procedure which involved precipitating the extract by addition of (NH(4))(2)SO(4), ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow, gel filtration chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 HR and finally purification on a GF-250 HPLC column. Amino acid analysis of the N-terminus and an internal fragment indicated that the sequences of the two fragments were QGVNIYNI and Q(K)PDGPWLVEK(Q)R respectively. AAL showed strong inhibition of the growth of human tumour cell lines HeLa, SW480, SGC-7901, MGC80-3, BGC-823, HL-60 and mouse sarcoma S-180. AAL also inhibited the viability of S-180 tumour cells in vivo. Analysis by Hoechst 33258 staining, MitoSensor Kit and flow cytometry showed that AAL induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. TUNEL (terminal transferase deoxytidyl uridine end labelling) analysis of slides of tumour tissues excised from BALB/c mice also demonstrated the apoptosis-induction activity of the lectin. Furthermore, AAL was shown to possess DNase activity in assays using plasmid pCDNA3 and salmon sperm DNA. Based on the results obtained in these assays, we conclude that AAL exerts its antitumour effects via apoptosis-inducing and DNase activities.

Relationships between degree of binding, cytotoxicity and cytoagglutinating activity of plant-derived agglutinins in normal lymphocytes and cultured leukemic cell lines

PURPOSE

To clarify the relationships between the degree of lectin-cell binding, cytotoxicity and cytoagglutinating activity of plant-derived lectins in normal lymphocytes and cultured leukemic cell lines.

METHODS

Plant lectins with different quaternary structures and saccharide specificity were used: Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Soybean agglutinin (SBA) and Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The leukemic cell lines used were: Jurkat, MOLT-4, RPMI-8402, HPB-ALL, CCR-HSB-2 and BALL-1 (derived from acute lymphoblastic leukemia); Raji and Daudi (derived from Burkitt's lymphoma); K-562 (derived from myelogenous leukemia). The lectin-cell binding was detected microscopically and fluorimetrically using FITC-conjugated lectins. Cytotoxicity was estimated by the CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay, and cytoagglutinating activity by a spectrophotometric method.

RESULTS

The binding of DBA and SBA to normal lymphocytes was negligible, while their binding to leukemic cells increased markedly with increasing lectin concentration. Analogous results were obtained for WGA. However, it was found that WGA also interacted to a significant degree with normal lymphocytes. The degree of lectin-cell binding increased in the order: DBA<SBA<WGA. The cytoagglutinating activity and cytotoxicity of lectins increased in the same order. DBA did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect against normal or leukemic cells, and showed a poor cytoagglutinating activity only in MOLT-4, CCR-HSB-2 and BALL-1 cells. SBA exhibited poor cytotoxicity against Jurkat, RPMI-8402, HPB-ALL and CCR-HSB-2 cells, but a well-defined cytotoxicity against Raji and Daudi cells. SBA showed poor cytoagglutinating activity in leukemic cells. In contrast, WGA at concentrations higher than 0.05 microM showed high cytotoxicity against all leukemic cell lines tested as well as against normal lymphocytes. WGA also showed a well-expressed cytoagglutinating effect in all cell lines except normal lymphocytes. There was a moderate inverse correlation between cell viability and the velocity of cytoagglutination ( r=-0.56, P<0.001), and a good correlation between cell viability and the degree of lectin-cell binding ( r=-0.75, P<0.001). There was a low positive correlation between the velocity of cytoagglutination and the degree of lectin-cell binding ( r=0.43, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the lectins that bound most strongly to leukemic cells expressed higher cytotoxic and cytoagglutinating activities.

Interaction of soybean agglutinin with leukemic T-cells and its use for their in vitro separation from normal lymphocytes by lectin-affinity chromatography

A procedure for separation of leukemic T-cells from normal lymphocytes, using lectin-affinity column chromatography, is described. CNBr-activated Sepharose 6MB was used as a non-mobile phase. The gel was covalently coupled with soybean agglutinin (SBA), then served as an affinity probe for fractionation of mixture of normal lymphocytes and leukemic cells. Leukemic cell lines, derived from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Jurkat, MOLT-4, RPMI-8402), were tested. The elution of normal lymphocytes was carried out by PBS(-). The leukemic T-cells, interacting with SBA, were removed by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine or low-concentration acetic acid. The type and viability of the separated cell fractions were analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, using adequate fluorescent antibodies. The interaction of leukemic T-cells with free SBA, as well as with SBA-conjugated Sepharose beads, was examined fluorimetrically and visualized by fluorescent microscopy, using FITC-SBA as a marker. The rate of cell elution on SBA-affinity column decreased in order: normal > leukemic T-cells. Both normal lymphocytes and leukemic T-cells were removed in a mixture from SBA-free Sepharose 6MB by PBS(-) and were not fractionated discretely. The leukemic T-cells specifically interacted with SBA as well as with SBA-affinity adsorbent. In contrast, the normal lymphocytes did not interact with free SBA as well as with SBA-conjugated Sepharose beads in the concentrations applied. The method potentially combines a discrete cell fractionation with manifestation of a specific target cytotoxicity of SBA against leukemic T-cells, without any influence on normal lymphocytes.

Purification of normal lymphocytes from leukemic T-cells by lectin-affinity adsorbents - correlation with lectin-cell binding

Utilization of leukemic T-cells from normal ones, using lectin-affinity adsorbents, is described. CNBr-activated Sepharose 6MB was covalently coupled to Soybean (SBA) or Dolichos Biflorus Agglutinins (DBA), then serves as an affinity probe for separation of leukemic T-cells from normal lymphocytes. The normal lymphocytes were removed almost completely by phosphate buffered saline (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) free) (PBS(-)) from lectin-affinity column. More than 80% of the leukemic T-cells were retained on the lectin-affinity adsorbent, whereas another 10-15% were easily removed by PBS(-). There was a very good linear correlation between percent of cells, retained on the lectin-affinity adsorbent and percent of cells, interacting with the respective free lectin (r=0.97 for SBA, and r=0.93 for DBA). The viability of normal lymphocytes was not influenced after passing through the columns. In the case of leukemic T-cells - about 90% of the easily removed cells were dead, and another 10% were viable cells, non-interacting with DBA or SBA.

Bioadhesive poly(methyl methacrylate) microdevices for controlled drug delivery

Oral delivery is the preferred route of drug administration. However, the breakdown of molecules and low levels of absorption in the gastrointestinal system render the oral delivery of proteins and peptides ineffective. Bioadhesive delivery devices can be used to circumvent these problems by protecting the drug from gastrointestinal denaturation, localizing and prolonging a drug at a specific target site, and maintaining direct contact with the intestinal cells, thereby increasing the drug concentration gradient. Microfabrication technology may offer some potential advantages over conventional delivery technologies. The benefits of microfabrication include the ability to tailor the size, shape, reservoir volume, and surface characteristics of the drug delivery vehicle. In this study, bioadhesive properties were introduced to microfabricated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microdevices by attachment of lectins, a group of proteins capable of specifically targeting cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In this process, the PMMA microdevices were chemically modified by aminolysis to yield amine-terminated surfaces. Avidin molecules were covalently bound to the surface of the particles using a hydroxysuccinimide catalyzed carbodiimide reagent and then incubated in an aqueous solution of biotinylated lectin. The lectin-modified microdevices were examined in vitro in terms of their bioadhesive characteristics.

Cytoagglutination and cytotoxicity of Wheat Germ Agglutinin isolectins against normal lymphocytes and cultured leukemic cell lines--relationship between structure and biological activity

The relationships between degree of lectin-cell binding, cytotoxicity and cytoagglutinating activity of three Wheat Germ Agglutinin isolectins (WGA-1, WGA-2, WGA-3) against normal lymphocytes and cultured leukemic cell lines (Jurkat, MOLT-4, Raji, Daudi, K-562) were studied. All WGA-isolectins interacted in a similar degree with normal lymphocytes, while in the case of leukemic cells, the degree of isolectin-cell binding increased in the order: WGA-1< or =WGA-3<WGA-2 at isolectin concentrations 0.5 microM and higher, and WGA-3<WGA-2< or =WGA-1 at 0.25 microM isolectin concentration. The WGA interacted in higher degree with Jurkat, Raji, Daudi and K-562, followed by MOLT-4 and normal lymphocytes. The velocity of cytoagglutination in the presence of 0.25 microM WGA-isolectins increased in the order: WGA-3<WGA-2< or =WGA-1, and was better expressed in Jurkat, Raji, Daudi and K-562, followed by MOLT-4 and normal lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity of isolectins was very well expressed against Jurkat, MOLT-4, Raji and Daudi, and less expressed against K-562 and normal lymphocytes. In the case of leukemic cells, the cytotoxic effect of WGA-isolectins increased in the order: WGA-3<WGA-2=WGA-1. A very good positive correlation was determined between velocity of cytoagglutination and degree of lectin-cell binding (r=0.77, P<0.001). A good inverse correlation was found between cytotoxicity and degree of lectin-cell binding (r=-0.34, P<0.001), and poor correlation was observed between cytotoxicity and cytoagglutinating activity of WGA-isolectins (r=0.16, P<0.01). The results suggest that the WGA-isolectins, structurally distinguishable in only several amino acid sequences, interacted in different degrees with leukemic cells and manifested different cytoagglutinating and cytotoxic activity.

Fractionation of normal and leukemic T-cells by lectin-affinity column chromatography

A method for rapid fractionation of normal and leukemic T-cells (Jurkat, RPMI-8402, MOLT-4), using lectin-affinity column chromatography, is described. CNBr-activated Sepharose 6MB was used as a non-mobile phase. The gel was covalently conjugated with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) over 24 h. The normal cells were eluted by phosphate buffered saline (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) free), while the leukemic T-cells, interacting with DBA, were removed by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine or by low-concentrated acetic acid as a mobile phase. The cell fractions were detected spectrophotometrically at 600 nm. The rate of cell elution decreased in the order: normal>leukemic T-cells. The viability and the type of separated T-cell fractions were characterized by flow cytometry, using adequate fluorescent antibodies. The interactions between leukemic T-cells and DBA-saturated Sepharose beads were examined by fluorescent microscopy, using fluorescent isothiocyanate-DBA as a fluorescent marker.

Isolation of a novel agglutinin with complex carbohydrate binding specificity from fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Lyophyllum shimeiji

A hemagglutinin, with a molecular weight of 30,000 and expressing hemagglutinating activity which could not be inhibited by simple sugars and glycoproteins, was isolated from fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Lyophyllum shimeiji. The protein was adsorbed on CM-Sepharose even in 20 mM ammonium acetate (pH 5.5) containing 1 M NaCl and was desorbed by 20 mM ammonium bicarbonate (pH 9). The hemagglutinating activity was subsequently adsorbed on Mono S in 20 mM ammonium acetate (pH 5.5) and was desorbed by a linear gradient of 0.2-0.5 M NaCl in ammonium acetate buffer. The hemagglutinin exhibited a novel N-terminal sequence not found in any lectin and hemagglutinin reported so far. It was devoid of antifungal activity.

Immunotherapy of C3H/HeJ mammary adenocarcinoma with interleukin-2, mistletoe lectin or their combination. effects on tumour growth, capillary leakage and nitric oxide (NO) production

Clinical application of interleukin (IL)-2-based immunotherapy of cancer has been limited by a major side-effect known as 'capillary leak syndrome', resulting from nitric oxide (NO) overproduction. A galactoside-specific lectin from Viscum album L. (VAA) has been reported to induce certain lymphokines and upregulate IL-2 receptors on lymphocytes. Present study was, therefore, designed to compare the effects of combination therapy with IL-2 (10(4) Cetus units/mouse, intraperitoneal (i.p). every 8 h, given as 5 day rounds per week, for one or two rounds) and VAA (1 ng/kg subcutaneous (s.c.), biweekly) with those of IL-2 or VAA therapy alone in C3H/HeJ female mice bearing s.c. transplants of a highly metastatic C3L5 mammary adenocarcinoma. IL-2 therapy alone reduced tumour growth and metastasis, but caused significant water retention indicative of capillary leakage in the kidneys after both rounds of therapy, whereas pleural effusion was only evident after the first round and not the second round. A sharp rise in the systemic NO levels after the first round, followed by a decline after the second round of IL-2 therapy suggested a causal relationship of increased NO levels to pleural effusion. A strong immunostaining for nitrotyrosine (a marker for the production of peroxynitrite) was noted in the renal tubules at the end of both rounds of therapy suggestive of a causal association of this toxic NO-metabolite with capillary leakage in the kidneys. Addition of VAA to IL-2 therapy had no effect on any of the above parameters. Unexpectedly, however, VAA therapy alone stimulated tumour growth as well as lung metastases. NO induction in the C3L5 cells by VAA was excluded as a possible reason for this stimulation. Present results suggest the need for exercising caution in the use of VAA as an immunoadjuvant in human cancer therapy.

Differential erythrocyte agglutination pattern in normal and cancer patients with Synadenium grantii root (Hook f) lectin

In the present study the property of lectin agglutination in blood on normal and different cancer patients has been observed. The purifiedSynadenium grantii root lectin was non blood group specific and its utility as a diagnostic tool in malignancy was studied. Hemagglutination (units/ml) of red blood cells of different types of cancer was compared with the normal control's red blood cells. Out of 113 total cancer patients, only a group of 29 breast cancer patients showed significant increase in titre value (P<0.05) compared to normal control.