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Lectins as the Prominent Potential to Deliver Bioactive Metal Nanoparticles by Recognizing Cell Surface Glycans

Summary

This research explores how proteins called lectins can be used to deliver tiny metal particles (nanoparticles) to specific cells in the body for medical treatment. Lectins work like ‘smart carriers’ that can recognize specific sugar molecules on cell surfaces, making them excellent delivery vehicles for targeted therapies. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects • May help combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections • Could improve diagnostic tests for various diseases • May reduce the amount of medication needed for treatments • Could lead to development of more precise and personalized medical treatments

Background

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins known for recognizing specific carbohydrates and other endogenous ligands. The field gained attention after Sharon and Lis’s seminal paper in 1972, revealing lectins with high selectivity for distinct cell types. Lectins have been isolated from various sources including plants, animals, fungi and bacteria, and are involved in cell-to-cell interactions, cell migration, embryogenesis, immune defence, sugar transport and storage, host protection, organ formation, and inflammation.

Objective

To review and analyze the potential of lectins as carriers for metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in therapeutic applications, particularly focusing on their ability to recognize cell surface glycans and deliver MNPs to specific biological targets. The review aims to summarize the multidimensional applications of lectins and describe their potential for delivery of MNPs in future drug development.

Results

The review found that lectins can effectively bind to metal nanoparticles and enhance their therapeutic potential. Lectin-MNP conjugates showed improved targeting ability and reduced toxicity compared to MNPs alone. Several examples demonstrated successful applications in cancer cell detection, antimicrobial activity, and biosensing. The studies showed that lectin conjugation could reduce the required therapeutic dose of MNPs while maintaining or improving efficacy.

Conclusion

Lectins show significant promise as carriers for metal nanoparticles in therapeutic applications, particularly through their ability to recognize specific cell surface glycans. While many plant lectins remain unexplored, the existing evidence suggests that judicious use of lectin conjugates can enhance drug efficacy and reduce toxicity. Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive lectin library, understanding binding specificities beyond carbohydrates, and conducting thorough toxicological studies.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29394
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