Lectins are defined as proteins or glycoproteins capable of specific and reversible binding to
carbohydrates. Inside this group of proteins, the most well-studied lectins belong to the Leguminosae
family, and inside this family, the Diocleinae subtribe includes the most characterized lectin Concanavalin
A (ConA), as well as ConBr, the lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis, the subject of this review.
Since 1979, several studies have been published in the literature regarding this lectin, from its isolation
and characterization to its several biological activities. This year, 2019, will mark 40 years since researchers
have begun to study ConBr and 100 years since the discovery of ConA, making 2019 a momentous
year for lectinology. Owing to the abundance of studies involving ConBr, this review will
focus on ConBr’s purification, physicochemical properties, functional and structural analyses, biological
activities and biotechnological applications. This will give researchers a broad glimpse into the
potential of this lectin, as well as it characteristics, as we look ahead to its expanding applications in
glycomics and biotechnology.