Bacteria-immune system interactions. IV. Effect of various treatments on the binding of bacteria to human lymphocytes

Pretreatment of lymphocytes with selected saccharides inhibited the binding of Bacillus globigii (B. globigii) to lymphocytes but had no effect on Escherichia coli 2 (E. coli 2) adherence. The binding of both bacteria was prevented by lymphocyte pretreatment with trypsin or pronase. Periodate treatment of lymphocytes inhibited the binding of E. coli 2 but not of B. globigii. This inhibition could be reversed by borohydrate treatment of lymphocytes. Trypsin, pronase or periodate treatment of bacteria had no effect on the binding to lymphocytes. The data obtained suggest that: (a) E. coli 2 and B. globigii have different mechanisms of binding to lymphocytes; and (b) the lymphocyte receptor for E. coli 2 is of a glycoprotein nature.