Lectins and Human Pathogenic Microorganisms: Mechanisms and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Lectins are proteins capable of decoding the glyco-code by specifically recognizing carbohydrates with high specificity. Through interaction with cell surface glycans, lectins mediate a wide range of processes, including self- and non-self-recognition. They play critical roles in combating pathogens by facilitating recognition, immobilization, and elimination. Their mechanisms of action include agglutination, recruitment of macrophages for phagocytosis, opsonization, and even direct toxicity against invading organisms.

Recognizing the natural capacity of lectins, this Special Issue invites authors to submit articles that explore the relationship between lectins and human pathogenic microorganisms. We welcome both original research articles and comprehensive reviews that investigate this intriguing field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lectins and Their Effects on Pathogenic Microorganisms

• The activity of lectins against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other human pathogenic microorganisms.
• Comparative studies on the specificity and efficacy of lectins across different pathogen classes.

2. Mechanisms of Action of Lectins

• Direct antimicrobial effects of lectins, including cytotoxicity and membrane disruption.
• The impact of lectins on biofilm formation, stability, and eradication.

3. Role of Microorganism-Derived Lectins in Human Infection

• The involvement of microbial lectins in infection processes, including host–pathogen interactions.
• Mechanisms by which microorganism-derived lectins mediate adherence, invasion, and immune evasion.

4. Structural and Functional Insights into Lectins

• Glycan-binding specificity and its relevance to pathogen recognition.
• Structural elucidation of lectins and their interaction with pathogenic targets.

5. Applications of Lectins in Therapeutics and Biotechnology

• Potential of lectins as antimicrobial agents in clinical and environmental settings.
• Development of lectin-based technologies for pathogen detection and neutralization.

6. Synergistic Effects and Combinatorial Approaches

• Studies on lectins in combination with traditional antimicrobial agents.
• Exploring lectins as part of multi-target strategies against drug-resistant pathogens.

7. Emerging Trends and Future Perspectives

• Novel sources of marine lectins with activity against human pathogens.
• Challenges and opportunities in translating lectin research into practical applications.

Prof. Dr. Rômulo F. Carneiro
Dr. Mayron Alves de Vasconcelos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• microorganism-derived lectins
• human infection
• therapeutics
• biotechnology