Isolation and partial characterization of a lectin from the marine sponge Crambe crambe

Abstract

A lectin was isolated from the marine sponge Crambe crambe. The lectin is a monomeric glycoprotein with relative molecular mass of 14000. It agglutinates sheep and human red blood cells. The agglutination was found to be inhibited weakly only by L-fucose. The lectin has mitogenic properties, stimulating T-lymphocytes.