A review on the antimicrobial properties of lectins

Lectins are biologically versatile biomolecules with remarkable antimicrobial effects, notably against bacteria, fungi and protozoa, in addition to modulating host immunity. For this, the lectins bind to carbohydrates on the surface of the pathogen, which can cause damage to the cell wall and prevent the attachment of microorganisms to host cells. Thus, this study intends to review the biological activities of lectins, with an emphasis on antimicrobial activity. Lectins of plant stood out for its antimicrobial effects, demonstrating that they act against a variety of strains, where in vitro were able to inhibit their development and affect their morphology. In vivo, they modulated host immunity, signaling and activating defense cells. Some of these lectins were capable to modulate the action of antibiotics, indicating their potential to minimize the antibiotic resistance. The results suggest that lectins have antimicrobial activity with potential to be used in drug development.