Isolation and partial characterization of a small chitin‐binding lectin from mistletoe (Viscum album)

Abstract

In this report we present evidence that mistletoe contains besides the three above-mentioned type 2 RIP/lectins also a small agglutinin, which on the basis of its structure and specificity can be classified in the group of chitin-binding plant lectins composed of hevein domains [9]. The discovery of the novel agglutinin not only demonstrates that mistletoe contains two groups of totally different lectins, but also raises the question of whether this new lectin possibly contributes either positively or negatively to the therapeutic effects of mistletoe preparations. Since a similar chitin-binding lectin from the rhizomes of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a potent superantigen in mice [10], the latter question is certainly relevant.

Sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in mice and rats

“…The plant are found to contain various chemical constituents such as lectins (Stirpe et al, 1992;Peumans et al, 1996), viscotoxins (Samuelsson, 1974;Orru et al, 1997), flavonoids (Lorch, 1993;Wollenweber et al, 2000), polysaccharides, biogen amines (Hoffmann, 1990), alkaloids, terpenoids (Deliorman et al, 2001a,b), saponins, tannins, phytosterols, vitamins, hydrocarbons and long-chain fatty acids, etc. (Radenkovic et al, 2006).…”

In Vitro Immunoregulatory Effects of Korean Mistletoe Lectin on Functional Activation of Monocytic and Macrophage-Like Cells

“…12,13) It is now assumed that subunit B is able to bind to cell-surface glycoconjugates and consequently permits entry into the cell of the subunit A with a toxic role through inhibiting protein synthesis. 14,15) Indeed, several of evidence that KML displays strong apoptosis-inducing activity, and anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects are considered as direct outcomes of the molecular interaction. [16][17][18] In addition, however, KML has also been reported to positively modulate NK cell activity, antigen-specific antibody production, Th1/Th2 responses and induction of cytolytic T lymphocyte activity, 19,20) In this study, we therefore aimed to prove the modulatory roles of KML on the functional activation of monocytic and macrophage-like cells.…”

Mechanisms involved in Korean mistletoe lectin-induced apoptosis of cancer cells

“…coloratum agglutinin, VCA) was different from VAAs in molecular weight, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and structure. VCA has a molecular mass of 60 kDa, consisting of a 31 kDa A chain and a 34 kDa B chain, and binds preferentially to galactose and N-acetyl-Dgalactosamine [6][7][8][9] . VCA showed strong cytotoxic activity against human and murine tumor cells [10] .…”