Characterization and Isolation of Concanavalin a Binding Sites from the Epidermis of S. mansoni

Abstract

Concanavalin A [ConA] labeled with 3H and fluorescein isothiocyanate was used to study the properties of this plant lectin to adult paired schistosomes [from mice]. Using ConA coupled to a sepharose column it was attempted to isolate and characterize ConA binding molecules from the epidermis of adult schistosomes. Specific ConA binding sites seemed to be present on the surface of adult S. mansoni. A significant percentage of the ConA was specifically bound and showed characteristics similar to that identified in other ConA binding tissues. The parasite''s ConA binding sites appear to be 2 or 3 high molecular weight glycoproteins. Glycoproteins associated with the worm''s epidermis appear to function as enzyme(s). The immunological significance of these glycoproteins was not determined.