Are lectins of Viscum album interesting tools in lung diseases? A review of recent results.

The data presented provide evidence that lectins isolated from different sources such as Abrus and Ricinus seeds and Viscum leaves are structurally related proteins and are probably homologues. The lectins have overall similarities in physical, chemical and biological properties. These proteins appear to be immunologically closely related and possess a high degree of conservation in their primary structures, anticipating a role in fundamental pathways common to all plants. Methods for the preparation, purification and characterization of the Viscum album lectins and comparative crossreactions with closely related lectins of the "toxic lectin" group are summarized. The biological properties of Viscum album lectins, especially their reaction with phagocytes, (phagocytosis), basophil granulocytes (histamine release) and tumour cells (inhibition of tumour growth) are presented and compared with those obtained with an anti-tumoral preparation derived from Viscum album, ISCADOR.