A C-type lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom reprograms endothelial cell biology

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Abstract
Snake venoms are intricate mixtures of enzymes and bioactive factors that induce a range of detrimental effects in afflicted hosts. Certain Viperids, including Bothrops jararacussu, harbor C-type lectins (CTLs) known for their modulation of a variety of host cellular responses. In this study, we isolated and purified BjcuL, a CTL from B. jararacussu venom and investigated its impact on endothelial cell behavior, contrasting it with human galectin-1 (Gal-1), a prototype member of the galectin family with shared β-galactoside-binding activity. We found that BjcuL binds to human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) in a concentration- and carbohydrate-dependent fashion and reprograms the function of these cells, favoring a pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant endothelial phenotype. In light of the quest for universal antagonists capable of mitigating the harmful consequences of snake venoms, BjcuL emerges as a promising target to be blocked in order to regulate pathological endothelial cell responses.
Funding Information
  • Agencia Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (PICT 2019-01109, PICT 2019-2307, PICT 2020-01552)
  • Universidad Nacional de Luján (IeF 2022-005)
  • Fundación Sales
  • Fundacion Baron
  • Fundación Williams

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