Articles tagged with Lectins
Researchers developed a new way to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells by blocking an immune checkpoint. They created multifunctional molecules called AbLecs, which combine a lectin with a tumor-targeting antibody, and showed they could boost the immune response to cancer cells.
Researchers identified hundreds of hidden binding partners for a blood protein receptor, revealing links to organ dysfunction and increased sepsis risk. The study found that Mrc1's absence led to the accumulation of mannosylated proteins, which disrupted normal physiology and function.
Researchers have reexamined the Ashwell-Morell receptor's functions using innovative glycoengineering techniques, clarifying its roles in sepsis and inflammation control. The study reveals that the receptor can bind to a specific type of protein glycan chain, which was previously thought to be incompatible with binding.
The study found that decreasing LSECtin levels increases specific immune cells that contribute to disease progression, suggesting restoring these levels could restore altered liver functions. Researchers restored LSECtin activity in cirrhotic animal cells using anti-inflammatory mediators, proposing a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at Université de Montréal's Department of Chemistry have created a new fluorogenic probe to study interactions between sugars and proteins, which are essential to life. The probe can visualize these interactions using fluorescence, providing a valuable tool for studying biological processes critical to human health.
MIT chemists develop rapid test to determine whether individuals have neutralizing antibodies against Covid-19, offering protection against future infections. The technique uses a fingerprint of sugar molecules to identify neutralizing antibodies in blood samples.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that likely contributes to the severity of infections and could be a target for future treatments. The study found that the lectin LecB renders immune cells ineffective, preventing them from triggering an immune response.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that genetic analysis can identify up to 65% more A2 donors, increasing potential kidney transplants for recipient candidates with blood type B. This could improve availability and equity in kidney transplantation.
A banana protein-derived therapy called H84T-BanLec has been shown to be effective against all known strains of the flu and all human-infecting coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The therapy works by binding to high-mannose glycans on the surface of viruses but rarely found on normal human cells.
Researchers found that HIV prefers to infect memory CD4 T cells with large amounts of specific sugars, including fucose and sialic acid. The study also reveals that HIV boosts the production of these sugars in infected cells, highlighting a new target for potential treatments.
Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.
Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.
A new function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB has been discovered: it blocks the cell cycle in host cells, leading to slowed or halted wound healing. This impairment occurs through the silent internalization of growth factor receptors, triggering intense vacuolization and cell death.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which bacteria like Burkholderia ambifaria activate white blood cells and attack the immune system. The study found that lectin BambL binds to carbohydrate residues on the surface of B cells, triggering an immune response in immunocompromised hosts.
Researchers found that combining low doses of paraquat herbicide with sugar-binding proteins called lectins triggered Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats. The study suggests that the toxin travels from the stomach to the brain, forming a misfolded protein alpha-synuclein that causes the disease.
Researchers have developed a microgel scavenger that targets intestinal toxins, reducing inflammation and supporting natural gut flora. The new therapy has the potential to treat conditions caused by bacterial infections, such as C. difficile-induced colitis.
A recent study reveals galectin-3's ability to interact with GAGs and proteoglycans, challenging previous biological functions. This discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment and research into immunodeficiency, neural growth, and inflammation.
Researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that stick to the sugary coating of the AIDS virus and inhibit its entry into cells. The synthetic lectins, developed from a compound called benzoboroxole, show promise as a potential microbicide to prevent HIV infection.
A Scripps Research team has overcome a major purification problem for stem cells, enabling more reliable and safe treatments. The new method uses lectin arrays to separate stem cells from other cell types, promising significant cost savings and reliability improvements.
A new injection has been developed to limit the devastating consequences of heart attacks and strokes, with potential applications in transplant surgery. The injection targets a key enzyme responsible for inflammation, neutralizing its effects and significantly reducing tissue damage.
Researchers have identified BanLec, a lectin in bananas, as an effective anti-HIV agent that can inhibit HIV infection by binding to the sugar-rich HIV-1 envelope protein. This discovery could lead to the development of new microcides to prevent sexual transmission of HIV.
EhROM1 enzyme plays a crucial role in E. histolytica's immune evasion and surface protein shedding. The discovery paves the way for developing rhomboid inhibitors as a novel anti-parasitic strategy.
Researchers genetically engineered a mosquito to release sea-cucumber protein, which impairs malaria parasite development in the insect's gut. The study shows promise for preventing transmission of malaria by disrupting parasite growth and development.
Researchers genetically engineered mosquitoes to release a sea-cucumber protein that impairs malaria parasite development, potentially preventing transmission. The study shows promising results but still requires further work before being effective in real-world scenarios.
Lectins, a family of proteins found in undercooked legumes and grains, can make people feel temporarily miserable by disabling GI tract cells from repairing tears. This can lead to gaps in the epithelial lining, exposing the nasty internal world of the GI tract to the blood supply.