Investigating the therapeutic role of Leuculectin, a C-type lectin from Bothrops leucurus snake venom, in corneal neovascularization

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Investigating the therapeutic role of Leuculectin, a C-type lectin from Bothrops leucurus snake venom, in corneal neovascularization

Abstract

Pathological corneal neovascularization remains a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy and safety of currently available antiangiogenic treatments. Although C-type lectins from snake venom possess various biological activities, their potential to modulate pathological ocular angiogenesis has not been explored. This study investigated the antiangiogenic effects of Leuculectin, a C-type lectin isolated from Bothrops leucurus venom using an experimental model of corneal neovascularization (CNV), a HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell) tube formation assay, and the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. In the HUVEC tube formation assay, Leuculectin demonstrated strong antiangiogenic activity. In the CAM assay, Leuculectin applied at concentrations of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 μg/mL significantly decreased new vessel formation, with effects comparable to those achieved with 250 μg/mL bevacizumab, a widely used clinical antiangiogenic agent. In the HET-CAM assay Leuculectin was classified as non-irritant and supporting its potential safety for topical ocular use. In the suture-induced CNV model, topical Leuculectin resulted in a significant reduction in neovascularized areas, achieving results similar to bevacizumab administered at considerably higher doses. These findings indicate that Leuculectin has potent antiangiogenic properties and significant therapeutic promise for ocular angiogenic disorders. Histological analyses and optical coherence tomography (OCT) further revealed improved organization of corneal epithelial and stromal layers, accompanied by fewer blood vessels in treated regions. Overall, the results suggest that Leuculectin may serve as a safe and effective alternative for managing ocular angiogenic diseases. Further studies are required to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess its potential clinical applications.
Dourado, L. F. N., Da Silva, C. N., Rodrigues, C. M. B., Sanchez, E. F., De Oliveira, L. S., Pacheco, C., Sarmento, B., Dias, M. F., & Fialho, S. L. (2026). Investigating the therapeutic role of Leuculectin, a C-type lectin from Bothrops leucurus snake venom, in corneal neovascularization. Experimental Eye Research, 272, 111205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2026.111205