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<p>Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play critical roles in biological processes such as cell recognition, adhesion, and pathogen defense. The study of lectins of algal origin (LAOs) began nearly 60 years ago, with the first documentation of hemagglutinating activity in aqueous algal extracts. Initially, research focused on the biochemical characterization of these lectins, but subsequent advancements have shifted attention toward their structural features. These structural analyses have been instrumental in unveiling the remarkable biological potential of LAOs, including their antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Recent studies have highlighted the diversity of LAO structures, such as β-barrel and β-prism, and their specificity for glycans like high-mannose-type N-glycans and fucosylated glycans. Notable examples include GRFT, with potent inhibitory activity against HIV and SARS-CoV-2, and lectins such as GAL and BPL-2, which demonstrate antibacterial efficacy. Recent studies have also revealed the ability of some LAOs to bind glycan involved in cancer metastasis, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents. This review synthesizes advancements in LAO structural characterization, emphasizing how these insights have propelled applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. It also discusses innovative strategies to harness their potential, such as combining lectins with existing drugs to combat resistance and enhance efficacy.</p>

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Lectins of algal origin: 25 years of progress in structural insights and biotechnological applications

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月4日

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  • Manoel Ferreira da Costa Filho,
  • Ellen Maria Lima Gonçalves,
  • Renata Pinheiro Chaves,
  • Rômulo Farias Carneiro,
  • Alexandre Holanda Sampaio,
  • Celso Shiniti Nagano

摘要

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play critical roles in biological processes such as cell recognition, adhesion, and pathogen defense. The study of lectins of algal origin (LAOs) began nearly 60 years ago, with the first documentation of hemagglutinating activity in aqueous algal extracts. Initially, research focused on the biochemical characterization of these lectins, but subsequent advancements have shifted attention toward their structural features. These structural analyses have been instrumental in unveiling the remarkable biological potential of LAOs, including their antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Recent studies have highlighted the diversity of LAO structures, such as β-barrel and β-prism, and their specificity for glycans like high-mannose-type N-glycans and fucosylated glycans. Notable examples include GRFT, with potent inhibitory activity against HIV and SARS-CoV-2, and lectins such as GAL and BPL-2, which demonstrate antibacterial efficacy. Recent studies have also revealed the ability of some LAOs to bind glycan involved in cancer metastasis, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents. This review synthesizes advancements in LAO structural characterization, emphasizing how these insights have propelled applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. It also discusses innovative strategies to harness their potential, such as combining lectins with existing drugs to combat resistance and enhance efficacy.