A GalNAc/Gal-specific lectin modulates immune responses via toll-like receptor 4 independently of carbohydrate-binding ability.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes various protein ligands; however, the protein-TLR4 binding model is unclear. Here we demonstrate a Crenomytilus grayanus lectin (CGL)-TLR4/MD2 model to show that CGL interacts with a TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex independently of sugar-binding properties. CGL could suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced immune responses significantly, suggesting that TLR4 itself has potential as a therapeutic target.