User:TW1065/Pokeweed mitogen

Cellular Functions
This lectin specifically induces the proliferation of B cells, plasma cells and T cells. This lectin contains Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) proteins which signals for the B-cell for a proliferative response. B-cell is shown to have no response to pure PMW without the Toll-like receptor suggesting that PMW inducing ability relies on TLR4 protein's presence for the signaling of B-cells and the response.

Research
PWM can contribute to B-cell assay for testing. The great number of proliferated cells makes it easier to test different lymphocyte functions and response to different stimuli.

Clinical Significance
Pokeweed mitogen has the ability to play a role for the immune system. It can test for immunodeficiency by inducing B-cell proliferation and test for abnormal counts. It can also induce proliferation of cells that target tumors which contributes to the treatment of cancer. Other studies in mice showed that PMW contributes to weight-loss effects and increased glucose uptake which makes this lectin a subject for implementation in diabetes or obesity in humans.