Lectins as virulence factors in and free-living amoebae.

Currently, there is growing interest in the identification and purification of microbial lectins due to their involvement in the pathogenicity mechanisms of pathogens, such as and free-living amoebae. The Gal/GalNAc lectin from participates in adhesion, cytotoxicity and regulation of immune responses. Furthermore, mannose- and galactose-binding protein have been described in and , respectively and they also contribute to host damage.