From Ocean to Bedside: the Therapeutic Potential of Molluscan Hemocyanins

Abstract

Hemocyanins are large and versatile glycoproteins performing various immunological and biological functions in many marine invertebrates including arthropods and molluscs. This review discusses the various pharmacological applications of mollusc hemocyanin such as antiviral activity, immunostimulatory and anticancer properties that have been reported in the literature between the years 2000 and 2016. Emphasis is placed on a better mechanistic understanding of hemocyanin as a therapeutic agent. Elucidation of the mechanism of action is essential to improve the clinical efficacy and for a better understanding of some endogenous immunological functions of this complex glycoprotein.