Hemocyanin; Don’t Get in the Way of Blue Bloods

Abstract

Hemocyanin is a large oxygen carrying protein in the blood of numerous invertebrates such as horseshoe crabs. It is immunogenic, meaning it stimulates the immune system and is a perfect carrier for proteins we want the body to fight. Research has shown that hemocyanin is a possible treatment for a number of cancers. It is an important precursor to the enzyme phenoloxidase, which is needed by the animals that have it to fight off disease and to facilitate healing.