Lectins

In this alternate timeline, lectins, a class of proteins found in many plants and animals, play an unusual role in human biology. Unlike the somewhat controversial role lectins hold in our reality, in this timeline they are prized for their many medicinal properties; anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Discovery of Medicinal Use

In 2012, a research team at the University of New York led by biochemist Dr. Samuel Jones discovered that extracting lectins from various plant and animal sources produced potent anticancer effects. By 2015, more research had been done on the subject and it was discovered that lectins also have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially useful in treating conditions such as herpes and HIV. This finding lead to a boom in the commercialization and development of lectin therapies, with many pharmaceutical companies seeking to exploit this new potential market.

Lectins in Cancer Therapy

Research has indicated that lectins can potentially detect and destroy cancerous cells by targeting carbohydrate structures expressed on the surface of these cells. They interfere with the inappropriate cell division without harming normal cells. Lectin molecules taken from natural sources, or synthesized in the laboratory, have been used to develop a new class of anticancer drugs. To date, several lectin-based treatments for breast, prostate, pancreatic, and liver cancers have been approved by the FDA, providing new treatment options for patients.

Lectins in antiviral treatment

Researchers have found that some lectins from plant and animal sources exhibit antiviral activity, significantly inhibiting the replication of HIV, Influenza, and Herpes viruses in vitro. Moreover, results from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that lectins could provide a safe and effective antiviral therapy for HIV-1 and HSV infections. Further research on the clinical application of lectins for antiviral treatments is ongoing.

Lectins in anti-inflammatory treatments

Lectins have also been discovered to have anti-inflammatory effects, as they interfere with the inflammatory response by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. By inhibiting the release of cytokines, lectin molecules also play a role in preventing the autoimmune disorders, such as Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery accelerated the development of many new anti-inflammatory medications.

Potential Risks and Dangers of Overuse

Not all is positive in the world of lectins, as concerns about their potential toxicity have emerged. Many point out the fact that the human body does not produce lectins naturally, and some researchers argue that overdosing on concentrated lectins could lead to various health issues. Animal studies have suggested that overconsumption can lead to neurotoxicity and organ failure, especially with long-term overuse. These possible risks currently under review, though, as the research on the matter remains limited.