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The galactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe as biological response modifier
1UNIV MARBURG,INST PHARMAZEUT CHEM,GLYKOBIOCHEM & ANGEW TUMORLEKTINOL ABT,MARBACHER WEG 6,W-3550 MARBURG,GERMANY. UNIV NEBRASKA,MED CTR,DEPT CELL BIOL & ANAT,OMAHA,NE 68198. THORAXKLIN,PATHOL ABT,W-6900 HEIDELBERG,GERMANY.
International Journal of Oncology
|May 18, 2011
Summary
Mistletoe lectin (VAA) enhances the immune system against tumors by increasing immune cell activity and numbers. This lectin shows potential for predicting treatment response in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Herbal extracts offer potential for immune system modulation against cancer.
- Mistletoe (Viscum album) extract contains galactoside-specific lectin (VAA) with therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory and antitumoral effects of Viscum album lectin (VAA).
- To explore VAA's potential in predicting treatment response in cancer models and patients.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical characterization of VAA as a dimer with toxic and binding subunits.
- In vitro studies on cytokine secretion and in vivo studies using lymphosarcoma/sarcoma models.
- Immunophenotyping of blood samples from lectin-treated patients.
Main Results:
- VAA demonstrated antitumoral and antimetastatic capacity in vivo.
- Increased NK cell number, macrophage activity, and T cell response were observed.
- Patient blood samples showed increased helper/inducer T cells, NK cells, and CD25-positive cells.
Conclusions:
- Viscum album lectin (VAA) possesses significant immunomodulatory and anticancer properties.
- Histopathological monitoring with labeled lectin may predict treatment response by identifying specific cell ligands.
