BanLec (alsoBanLec-I orBanana lectin) is alectin from thejacalin-related lectin family isolated from the fruit of thebananasMusa acuminata[1] andMusa balbisiana.[2] BanLec is one of the predominantproteins in the pulp of ripe bananas[3] and has binding specificity formannose and mannose-containingoligosaccharides.[2] A 2010 study reported that BanLec was a potent inhibitor ofHIV replication.[1]
BanLec exists as ahomodimer of two identical 15kDa subunits[3] and has also been reported as a tetramer complex.[5] The protein is highly stable,unfolding only at high temperatures[6][7]
All jacalin-related lectins feature type Ibeta-prism folding motifs (the beta-prism I fold is like a perfect beta-prism with each side made up of a four-strandedgreek key motif), but BanLec is the first jacalin-related lectin from themonocot family of plants, while all other members aredicots; other monocot mannose-binding lectins exhibit beta-prism II folding instead.[7]
In 2010, BanLec was reported to be apotent inhibitor ofHIV replication.[1][9] Researchers at theUniversity of Michigan determined that BanLec bound to theHIV-1envelope proteingp120, which is high in sugar content, inhibiting viral entry into human cells.[1][9] The researchers suggest that such an inhibitor of HIV infection may find use as atopical treatment, such as avaginalmicrobicide, and may be cheaper to produce than current antiviral topical treatments.[10]
^Koshte VL, Aalbers M, Calkhoven PG, Aalberse RC (1992). "The potent IgG4-inducing antigen in banana is a mannose-binding lectin, BanLec-I".Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol.97 (1):17–24.doi:10.1159/000236090.PMID1582693.
