Lectins: Structural Diversity, Molecular Recognition and Emerging Applications
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 263
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biochemistry; biomolecules; proteins; biological activities; protein purification; natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Lectins are a diverse group of carbohydrate-binding proteins that are widely distributed across microorganisms, plants, and animals. These proteins are defined by the presence of at least one non-catalytic domain that selectively and reversibly binds to mono-, oligo-, or polysaccharides without chemically modifying the carbohydrate molecules themselves.
Due to their high specificity for carbohydrate moieties, lectins play a central role in numerous physiological and ecological interactions. Their ability to recognize and bind glycans gives them a broad spectrum of biological activities, including the following:
- Agglutination and cell recognition;
- Anthelmintic effects;
- Anticancer potential;
- Antifungal effects;
- Anti-inflammatory effects;
- Antimicrobial activity;
- Antiviral properties;
- Immunomodulatory activity;
- Insecticidal activity;
- Mitogenic effects;
- Neuromodulatory effects;
- Wound healing promotion.
Beyond their natural biological functions, lectins hold immense promise in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. Their specificity and versatility make them valuable tools in various applied fields, such as the following:
- Diagnostic tools;
- Drug delivery systems;
- Antiviral and antibacterial therapeutics;
- Agricultural biotechnology;
- Bioseparation and biosensors;
- Cancer research and treatment;
- Vaccine development.
This Special Issue aims to explore the broad biomedical and biotechnological potential of lectins. We hope to collate studies that encompass all the areas of interest described above, though we also welcome papers that provide novel insights and emerging applications that extend beyond these areas.
Prof. Dr. Patrícia Maria Guedes Paiva
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- lectins
- structural diversity
- molecular recognition
- bioactivities
- biomedical applications
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