CONSERVATION OF ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS AMONG DIFFERENT SEED LECTINS

Immunochemical techniques were employed to examine seed lectins for structural similarities. Antisera raised against eight homogeneous lectins were used to test for cross-reacting material in crude seed extracts as well as highly purified lectins. The data provide immunochemical evidence that lectins isolated from different species may be structurally related proteins. As structurally related proteins, the cross-reacting lectins may also possess a similar function. In addition, antisera raised against Ulex agglutinin I or Bandeiraea agglutinin, appeared to recognize an identical set of determinants on those lectins showing cross-reactivity. This highly conserved region of the lectin molecule may be important for the proper functioning of these proteins. © 1979.