Binding of bacteria in lymphocyte subpopulations: role of lectin-carbohydrate interactions

Bacteria have been found to bind to lymphocyte subpopulations in a highly reproducible manner. Some of these bacteria such as B. melitensis and a strain of E. coli binds to mammalian B. cells. The binding of B. melitensis and other bacteria is due, at least in part, to lectins on lymphocytes interacting with the carbohydrates on the LPS or LTA of the bacteria. These receptors for bacteria give some indications regarding the functional potential of the cells, suggesting the possibility that the receptors identified by bacteria are used in cellular interactions with normal or malignant cells.