Mistletoe Lectin antibody

Background of Mistletoe Lectin antibody

Mistletoe lectin I (ML-I) is a type II ribosome-inactivating protein, which inhibits the protein biosynthesis at the ribosomal level. ML-I is composed of a catalytically active A-chain with rRNA N-glycosidase activity and a B-chain with carbohydrate binding specificities. Using comparative solid-phase binding assays along with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, ML-I was shown to preferentially bind to terminally α2−6-sialylated neolacto series gangliosides from human granulocytes.

Researchers across Europe (centres include Moscow, Berlin and London) have been investigating what specific properties of Viscum album could affect cancer cells. They have confirmed that some chemicals in European mistletoe can have anticancer properties. These properties are linked to various cytotoxic and immuno-modulatory compounds found in mistletoe, mainly the chemicals known as Viscotoxins and Mistletoe Lectins.