Roles and Biomedical Applications of Haemolymph Lectin

Abstract

Background: Lectins are class of proteins characterized by their ability to selectively bind carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins. Many invertebrate lectins, especially derived from hemolymph, are being purified, and yet their functions and medical applications are subjects of major interest. Methods: Hemolymph lectins in invertebrates play a major role in protecting against many pathogens and microbes. Further, many hemolymph lectins show anticancer properties towards various cancer cell lines, which expresses globotriaosyl ceramides on their cell surface. Results: These vast repertoires of hemolymph lectins in recognizing and inhibiting the growth of various harmful microbes and cancerous cells have spurred the biochemist to use them in histochemical and cytochemical studies. Conclusion: The present review will address the biological roles and biomedical applications of hemolymph lectin.