New ligand search tool implemented in UniLectin3D. Ligand input is either in IUPAC or GlycoCT format, as well as GlyTouCan ID or glycan composition. Each ligand search hit links to lectin entries where a ligand hit-lectin interaction is reported.

(1) Security: enhanced protection against injections and database attacks, in particular for the API. (2) Expanded documentation and refined layout of the API page: (a) introduction of new API endpoints for programmatic access to BiotechLec, HumanLectome, PropLec, MycoLec and TrefLec data and (b) expansion of UniLectin3D and LectomeXplore endpoints, granting open access to additional data types. More information can be obtained on unilectin.unige.ch/api.

A new tool to compare the distribution of the lectin classes and folds across species has been added to LectomeXplore on the unilectin.unige.ch/predict/class-phylogeny page. Comparison is achieved via an interactive heatmap across a maximum of ten user-selected phylogenetic groups, at user-specified score threshold.

(1) Redesigned homepage: the homepage layout was reshaped for an improved user experience. (2) Introducing a new UniLectin logo: UniLectin is part of the Glyco@Expasy collection and the new design shares graphical features with other resources of the collection. (3) Enhanced citation display: References for citation are displayed in a pop-up window instead of a list in the footer. (4) More flexible UniLectin3D origin search: broader coverage of organisms and partial matches accepted.

(1) Norovirus known to cause gastroenteritis, bind human blood group oligosaccharides through their capsid proteins. This lectin class was updated in UniLectin3D to include 178 manually curated structures, correctly assigned to their genotype. The addition of 60 new structures is supported by the GlycoNoVI EU-MSCA project. (2) The consistency of ligand curation in UniLectin3D was revised in order to better capture the relationship between lectins and ligands. By organising the latter as separate entities, ligands can also be considered as sub-structures of larger glycan structures.

The loading of the different pages of UniLectin3D and LectomeXplore has been drastically shortened and is now performed in the background for a smoother user experience. To further optimize the loading time of recurrent users, caching has been implemented for the heaviest functionalities. Finally, the user can now select a score threshold when browsing the predicted lectins by fold and origin in LectomeXplore.

The present release includes the update of the server, website libraries, frameworks and tools. It also fixes several vulnerabilities to injections and better secures the search tools.

The search bar of the header and of the home pages of UniLectin3D, LectomeXplore, PropLec, MycoLec and TrefLec has been optimized to perform a search query within less than a second, which is a hundred times faster than before. Furthermore, the implementation of these search bars is now much more secure.

The development of the Human Lectome module has been completed and fully integrated in UniLectin. This new module has been developed in a completely responsive way. Additionally, the home pages of UniLectin3D, LectomeXplore, PropLec, MycoLec and TrefLec have been refactored to be responsive for all device screen sizes.

The lectin predictions of LectomeXplore have been updated based on the latest protein content of UniProt and NCBI, thereby increasing the number of predictions of 20%.