Lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom induces IL-10 release by TCD4+ cells and TNF-α release by monocytes and natural killer cells

Abstract

BjcuL is a C‐type lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom with specificity for binding β‐d‐galactose units. BjcuL is not toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), but it inhibits PBMC proliferation and stimulates these cells to produce superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide primarily via lymphocyte stimulation; it does not stimulate the production of nitric oxide and PGE2. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BjcuL on PBMC activation with a focus on cytokine release modulating PBMC proliferation. The results showed for the first time that BjcuL coupled to FITC interacted with monocytes, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and with subpopulations of T cells. These cell‐cell interactions can lead to cell activation and inflammatory cytokines release, such as IL‐6 and TNF‐α, as well as the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. In addition, TNF‐α release was attributed to NK cells and monocytes, whereas IL‐10 was attributed to TCD4+ and Treg cells when stimulated by BjcuL. The temporal cytokines profile produced by cells when stimulated with this lectin allows us to assert that BjcuL has immunomodulatory activity in this context.

Exploring the Profile of Cell Populations and Soluble Immunological Mediators in Bothrops atrox Envenomations

“…Some studies have reported that the mediators produced by neutrophils pave the way for the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Monocytes are mononuclear phagocytes that, when recruited, differentiate into macrophages and secrete numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby intensifying leukocyte recruitment.…”

Immunological Responses to Envenomation

“…However, venom exposure also produced concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, as evidenced by significant LDH release in MNC cultures ( 50 ). Further examples include a C-type lectin (BjcuL) isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom that induces TNF production from resting CD14 + cells without stimulating proliferation ( 51 ). Phospholipase D from Loxosceles laeta spider venom promotes MNC migration in THP-1 cell cultures and cytokine release from skin fibroblasts ( 52 ).…”