Tumor Cell Apoptosis Pathway (Lectin-Induced)

The tumor cell apoptosis pathway (lectin-induced) is a mechanism by which lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins, induce programmed cell death in cancer cells. This process leverages altered glycosylation patterns on tumor cells, allowing lectins to selectively bind and trigger apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways involving caspases, BCL2 family proteins, and potentially autophagy. Selectivity and resistance are key considerations for therapeutic applications.

Other names

Lectin-induced apoptosisLectin-mediated tumor cell deathTumor-associated carbohydrate antigen (TACA)-targeted apoptosis

Lectins bind to tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) on cancer cells, triggering apoptosis through intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways. This involves caspase activation, BCL2 family protein modulation, and potential autophagic cell death.