Jacalin: its binding reactivity with immunoglobulin A from various mammalian species

Jacalin, a recently described lectin, has been demonstrated to have unique binding properties for some forms of human immunoglobulin A (IgA). The lectin has now become commercially available, immobilized to a beaded agarose support. This laboratory undertook a short study to determine whether this immobilized jacalin demonstrated any binding capacity for IgA from various mammalian species, with a view to utilizing this new form of affinity chromatography to simplify the purification of IgA from these species. Utilizing the chromatographic conditions recommended by the manufacturer, the bound jacalin demonstrated no IgA reactivity from pig, goat, horse, cow or dog.