Proteomic Analysis Revealed that DVL, a Lectin Purified from <i>Dioclea violacea</i> Seeds, Induced a Change in the Protein Profile of <i>Candida albicans</i>

<i>Candida albicans</i> is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen, and its resistance to conventional treatments poses a substantial challenge. Previous research by our group demonstrated that the anticandidal activity of <i>Dioclea violacea</i> seed lectin (DVL) involves multiple mechanisms of action. Our current objective is to analyze changes in the proteome of <i>C. albicans</i> cells after treatment with the DVL lectin. The proteomic analysis corroborated the previously observed mechanisms with greater specificity, encompassing processes such as cell wall integrity, expression of transport proteins, proteins related to metabolism and energy, DNA repair proteins, and proteins related to defense and stress, and downregulated cell cycle proteins affecting cell viability. Our findings provide novel insights into <i>C. albicans</i> response to DVL lectin, emphasizing the intricate cellular mechanisms underlying stress adaptation. These results provided new insight into the mechanisms of action of DVL against <i>C. albicans</i>. They may facilitate the development of more effective and innovative antifungal therapies by providing a comprehensive understanding of fungal pathogenesis.