A lectin is any protein that specifically interacts with sugar molecules (carbohydrates). Lectins are found in a variety of species from plants to insects to man. They serve many different biological functions from the regulation of cell adhesion to glycoprotein synthesis and the control of protein levels in the blood. Lectins are also known to play important roles in the immune system by recognising carbohydrates found exclusively on pathogens.

See also

• Concanavalin A

External links

• World of Lectin links maintained by Thorkild C. Bøg-Hansen