PLANT-LECTINS AS INHIBITORS OF TUMOR-GROWTH AND MODULATORS OF HOST IMMUNE-RESPONSE

The antitumour activities of four plant lectins, phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, soybean agglutinin, and wheat germ agglutinin, were evaluated on a murine ascitic lymphoma. The effects of lectin treatmen t on mitogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes and macrophage -mediated tumour cell lysis were also assessed. All four lectins studi ed were found to be able to restrict tumour growth and to improve the life expectancy of the host. The response of peripheral blood lymphocy tes towards mitogenic stimulation was found to be improved and enhance ment of tumour cytolysis by peritoneal macrophages was noted following lectin treatment.