MUSHROOM LECTINS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

Lectins are proteins / glycoproteins of non-immune origin, which are widely distributed in nature. The recognition of lectins and their interaction with other molecules can alter the physiology of cells and trigger favorable biochemical changes in pathological situations, such as cancer, a highly prevalent pathology where new methods are sought for their early identification and targeted treatment that does not produce cytotoxicity in healthy cells. Lectins are a valuable tool for identifying aberrant glycans expressed by neoplastic cells and may also possess antitumor and immunomodulatory activity, representing a therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer. Many mushrooms have been used for therapeutic purposes throughout history for their medicinal properties, lectins being one of their most important bioactive components. We review the current state of studies on the antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities of mushroom lectins. We identify 30 different mushroom lectins derived from in vitro and in vivo assays. We conclude that despite the findings obtained, to help elucidate the mechanisms in which each mushroom lectin acts, a greater number of studies is necessary and not lose sight of them as possible antitumor drugs in the near future.