Lectins constitute a class of glycoproteins, which are capable of selectively and reversibly binding to carbohydrates, distinguishing small structural differences in complex oligosaccharides. Studies have shown that the binding of lectins to cell-surface carbohydrates can lead to various effects such as cellular proliferation, histamine release and cytokine production. Canavalia brasiliensis lectin (ConBr) is a (D-mannose) D-glucose lectin. In this study, murine splenocytes were cultured to determine the effect of ConBr on cell proliferation, nitric oxide (NO) release and cytokine secretion. In addition, cellular viability assays were performed to evaluate any mitogenic activity induced by this lectin. ConBr significantly increased cell proliferation with minimal cell damage. This lectin was able to induce an increased production of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ and a decreased production of IL- 10. The release of NO was also observed. The results of this study indicate that ConBr could potentially be used as an immunomodulator.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.