Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting
Published on: March 8, 2018
Lectin of Concanavalin A as an anti-hepatoma therapeutic agent
Huan-Yao Lei1, Chih-Peng Chang
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. hylei@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Abstract:
Liver cancer is the predominant cause of cancer mortality in males of Southern China and Taiwan. The current therapy is not satisfactory, and more effective treatments are needed. In the search for new therapies for liver tumor, we found that Concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin from Jack bean seeds, can have a potent anti-hepatoma effect. Con A after binding to the mannose moiety on the cell membrane glycoprotein is internalized preferentially to the mitochondria. An autophagy is triggered which leads to cell death. Con A as a T cell mitogen subsequently activates the immune response in the liver and results in the eradication of the tumor in a murine in situ hepatoma model. The liver tumor nodule formation is inhibited by the CD8+ T cells, and a tumor antigen-specific immune memory is established during the hepatic inflammation. The dual properties (autophagic cytotoxicity and immunomodulation) via the specific carbohydrate binding let Con A exert a potent anti-hepatoma therapeutic effect. The novel mechanism of the Con A anti-hepatoma effect is discussed. The prototype of Con with an anti-hepatoma activity gives support to the search for other natural lectins as anti-cancer compounds.
Insights
Concanavalin A (Con A), a plant lectin, shows potent anti-liver cancer effects by triggering cell death and activating immune responses. This discovery supports exploring natural lectins for novel cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Liver cancer poses a significant mortality risk, particularly in males in Southern China and Taiwan.
- Current therapies for liver cancer are insufficient, necessitating the development of more effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin from Jack bean seeds, as a novel therapeutic agent against liver tumors.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of Con A in combating hepatoma.
Main Methods:
- Concanavalin A (Con A) was administered to a murine in situ hepatoma model.
- Cellular uptake, mitochondrial localization, and induction of autophagy by Con A were analyzed.
- The role of T cells, specifically CD8+ T cells, and immune memory in tumor eradication was assessed.
Main Results:
- Con A demonstrated a potent anti-hepatoma effect in a murine model.
- Con A induced autophagy, leading to cell death after internalization into mitochondria.
- Con A activated T cell-mediated immune responses, inhibiting tumor formation and establishing immune memory.
Conclusions:
- Con A exhibits dual therapeutic properties: direct cytotoxic effects via autophagy and immunomodulation through T cell activation.
- The findings highlight Con A as a promising anti-liver cancer compound and support the exploration of other natural lectins for cancer treatment.
