Immunomodulatory potency of mistletoe lectins in cancer patients:results of a dose finding study (Meeting abstract).

Journal/Book: Molecular-Biology-of-Hematopoiesis, 8th Symposium. July 9-13, 1993,Basel, Switzerland, p. 27, 1993..

Abstract: Lectins as polyvalent ligands can play a role in cellular interactionsand consequently in manifold manner be involved in the regulation ofhost defense events. Galactoside-specific lectins isolated frommistletoe plants were shown to exhibit immunomodulatory potency which isat least in part mediated by the lectin-induced enhanced secretion ofinterleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.Investigations with isolated lectins in animal models and with plantextracts standardized in terms of sugar binding lectin activitysuggested that the most effective immunomodulating dosages of lectininduce antitumor activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study wasto find an optimal dose of isolated lectins which were appropriatelystandardized. Three groups of patients with advanced tumor receivedintravenously (in 250 ml saline infusion) 0.2 biological unit (BU)/kg,1.0 BU/kg and 5.0 BU/kg of lectins, respectively. Immunomonitoring wascarried out by determination of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD56, CD25, LGLfrequency, NK and LAK activity in peripheral blood. Between the threegroups significant differences were found and 1.0 BU/kg dose of lectinsinduced the greatest immunomodulation. Further investigations toestablish the antitumor potency of these dosages are in progress.Author.

Keyword(s): ADJUVANTS-IMMUNOLOGIC/ PD (pharmacology)

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