Participation of lectins in crustacean immune system

Abstract

Several lectins have been found in crustaceans, and it has been suggested that they play roles in cell signalling, cell–cell interaction, protein synthesis and pathogen recognition. These functions are performed through their specificity for carbohydrates. This review analyses the carbohydrate specificity, tissue distribution and participation in the immune responses of lectins in crustaceans. Furthermore, we explore some data showing that lectin expression seems to be stimulated by pathogens, favouring crustacean survival.