Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a mycelial lectin from Aspergillus nidulans

Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2011 Sep;165(2):624-38. doi: 10.1007/s12010-011-9281-4. Epub 2011 May 18.

Abstract

Lectins bind to surface receptors on target cells, and activate a cascade of events, eventually leading to altered immune status of host. The immunomodulatory potential of purified lectin from Aspergillus nidulans was evaluated in Swiss albino mice treated intraperitoneally with seven different doses of purified lectin. Lectin prevented BSA-induced Arthus reaction and systemic anaphylaxis. The enhanced functional ability of macrophages was evident from respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide production in splenocyte cultures. Interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 levels were significantly up-regulated in treated groups. Maximum stimulatory effect was observed at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Therapeutic potential of A. nidulans lectin was assessed against trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in male Wistar rats. Rats pre-treated with 80 mg/kg body weight of purified lectin intraperitoneally prior to colitis induction showed lesser disease severity and recovery within 7 days, while rats post-treated with the same dose showed recovery in 11 days. The results demonstrate immunomodulatory effects of A. nidulans lectin in Swiss albino mice, resulting in improved immune status of the animals and unfold its curative effect against ulcerative colitis in rat model. This is the first report on immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a lectin from microfungi.

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced
  • Anaphylaxis / drug therapy
  • Anaphylaxis / immunology
  • Anaphylaxis / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Arthus Reaction / chemically induced
  • Arthus Reaction / drug therapy
  • Arthus Reaction / immunology
  • Arthus Reaction / prevention & control*
  • Aspergillus nidulans / chemistry*
  • Cattle
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / chemically induced
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / prevention & control
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Fungal Proteins* / pharmacology
  • Fungal Proteins* / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Factors* / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors* / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Lectins* / pharmacology
  • Lectins* / therapeutic use
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mycelium / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Serum Albumin / administration & dosage
  • Serum Albumin / adverse effects
  • Serum Albumin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid / adverse effects
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lectins
  • Serum Albumin
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid