Stimulation of human peripheral lymphocytes and induction of interleukin 2 production by a lectin from the gonad of the sea hare, Aplysia fasciata.
The lectin from gonads of the sea hare, Aplysia fasciata, which reacts with D-galacturonic acid and D-galactose derivatives, was purified by affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B. The purified lectin was shown to stimulate human peripheral blood lymphocytes and to induce interleukin 2 production like PHA. These activities were specifically inhibited by D-galactose and neutralized galacturonic acid (not by glucuronic acid). The rate of lymphocyte proliferation was similar at 72 and 96 hours in culture. The main stimulation was observed in the T lymphocyte population obtained by rosette formation with sheep red blood cells.
D000818:Animals; D005690:Galactose / Q000494:pharmacology; D037161:Galectins; D006388:Hemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D037161:Galectins; D006388:Hemagglutinins; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D007376:Interleukin-2; C007819:galacturonic acid; D005690:Galactose