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Effect of Artocarpus integer lectin on functional activity of guinea-pig complement
O H Hashim1, G S Gendeh, C N Cheong
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Immunological Investigations
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Artocarpus integer lectin C consumes guinea-pig complement, reducing its hemolytic activity. This effect is inhibited by melibiose, indicating lectin interaction with O-glycans on glycoproteins.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The complement system is crucial for innate immunity.
- Lectins are proteins that bind carbohydrates and can modulate biological processes.
- Artocarpus integer lectin (lectin C) is a plant lectin with potential biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Artocarpus integer lectin (lectin C) on guinea-pig complement activity.
- To determine the mechanism by which lectin C affects complement function.
Main Methods:
- Purified and crude extracts of lectin C from Artocarpus integer seeds were used.
- Complement consumption assay using sensitized sheep erythrocytes.
- Hemolytic activity assay.
- Inhibition studies using melibiose.
Main Results:
- Lectin C, in both purified and crude forms, consumed guinea-pig complement.
- This consumption led to a decrease in complement-induced hemolytic activity.
- Melibiose significantly reversed the effect of lectin C on complement activity.
- The inhibitory effect of melibiose suggests lectin C interacts with O-linked oligosaccharides (O-glycans) of glycoproteins.
Conclusions:
- Artocarpus integer lectin C modulates the functional activity of the guinea-pig complement system.
- The interaction of lectin C with O-glycans of glycoproteins is involved in complement consumption.
- These findings highlight a potential role for plant lectins in immune modulation.