Lectin immuno tests: quantitation and titration of antigens and antibodies using lectin-antibody conjugates.
We have investigated the possibility of using lectin-antibody conjugates as general reagents in immunological procedures requiring a labeled antigen or antibody. Using these conjugates, labeling is achieved through saccharide binding sites of lectins which operate as acceptors for glycoconjugate marker substances added secondarily. Marker substances used in this work were enzymes, radioactively labeled glycoconjugates and erythrocytes, but other markers can also be used. Using the first two markers, antigens and antibodies were determined with accuracy and sensitivity equal to those of conventional enzyme or radioimmunoassays. Using erythrocytes as a marker, a simple erythro-adsorption procedure, possibly followed by hemolysis, has been developed which allowed the titration of antigens and antibodies to be carried out with a sensitivity at least equal to enzyme or radioimmunoassays.
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D000941:Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000276:immunology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D011817:Rabbits; D012756:Sheep / Q000276:immunology
D000906:Antibodies; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D000941:Antigens; D003208:Concanavalin A