title: Isolation, characterization and functional assessment of a hemagglutinin from the plasma of Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni.
abstract: An agglutinin from the plasma of Biomphalaria glabrata, vector of Schistosoma mansoni, has been isolated and partially characterized. Its isolation is a simple two-step process, yielding an essentially pure preparation that can then be manipulated free from other plasma components. It is a large glycoprotein (10(6) daltons), found in four of the five snail strains tested, and possesses affinity for galactose-type sugar residues. Based upon criteria such as molecular weight, carbohydrate and erythrocyte specificity, physical stability and anatomical source, this agglutinin is considered to be distinct from others reported from this mollusc. Involvement of the agglutinin in the host-parasite interaction is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria / Q000276:immunology*; D004199:Disease Vectors; D006388:Hemagglutinins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006388:Hemagglutinins