Plant Lectins: A Review on their Biotechnological Potential Toward Human Pathogens.
Curr Protein Pept Sci
; 23(12): 851-861, 2022.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36239726
ABSTRACT
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is associated with the appearance of bacterial resistance. In light of this, plant-based products treating infections are considered potential alternatives. Lectins are a group of proteins widely distributed in nature, capable of reversibly binding carbohydrates. Lectins can bind to the surface of pathogens and cause damage to their structure, thus preventing host infection. The antimicrobial activity of plant lectins results from their interaction with carbohydrates present in the bacterial cell wall and fungal membrane. The data about lectins as modulating agents of antibiotic activity, potentiates the effect of antibiotics without triggering microbial resistance. In addition, lectins play an essential role in the defense against fungi, reducing their infectivity and pathogenicity. Little is known about the antiviral activity of plant lectins. However, their effectiveness against retroviruses and parainfluenza is reported in the literature. Some authors still consider mannose/ glucose/N-Acetylglucosamine binding lectins as potent antiviral agents against coronavirus, suggesting that these lectins may have inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, it was found that plant lectins are an alternative for producing new antimicrobial drugs, but further studies still need to decipher some mechanisms of action.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Contexto en salud:
4_TD
Problema de salud:
4_pneumonia
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
/
Antiinfecciosos
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Curr Protein Pept Sci
Asunto de la revista:
BIOQUIMICA
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Brasil