Open AccessJacalin: A new laboratory tool in immunochemistry and cellular immunology
Author(s) -
Aucouturier Pierre,
Pineau Nathalie,
Brugier JeanChristophe,
Mihaesco Edith,
Duarte Françoise,
Skvaril Frantisek,
Preud'homme JeanLouis
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of clinical laboratory analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1098-2825
pISSN - 0887-8013
DOI - 10.1002/jcla.1860030409
Subject(s) - jacalin , immunochemistry , lectin , antibody , immunology , immunoglobulin d , subclass , immune system , chemistry , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , b cell
In recent years, a new lectin—jacalin—has raised the interest of immunologists because of its original properties with respect to human immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. Its structure and carbohydrate binding specifity are now well documented, and it can be purified easily from jackfruit seeds by ion exchange or affinity chromatography. The binding and precipitating specificities of jacalin with heavy chains of human immunoglobulins allow its use as a diagnostic (IgA subclass typing) and preparative tool (purification of IgA and IgD, removal of IgA from biologic samples and preparations). Other possible applications of jacalin's binding properties also can be envisaged. In addition, the lectin displays a mitogenic activity specific for human CD4 T‐lymphocytes; consequently, the proliferative response induced by jacalin appears to represent a new and interesting assay for a functional study of CD4 cells, with obvious applications in primary and acquired, especially AIDS, immune deficiency states.