What is a lectin?
Lectins are a class of plant glycoproteins that act like specific antibodies but are not antibodies in that they are not evoked by an antigenic stimulus. They are abundant and diverse proteins found in foods, and have agglutinating properties that can cause various molecules and some cells to stick together. A lectin that causes the tissues of a person of one blood type to stick together will not necessarily have the same effect on a person of a different blood type. Lectins also play a significant role in hormonal reactions.
FACT: It’s a protein that binds to sugars on sugar containing proteins (or glycoproteins). Glycoproteins tend to be associated with cell surfaces, or cell membranes. Lectins recognize specific sugars on cell surfaces, and if they match, bind to that particular sugar. Agglutination caused by lectins is inhibited by a specific sugar. This is what distinguishes lectins from antigens which are produced by all mammals. Some lectins can identify blood cells and can cause cell division in white blood cells. Lectins are present in nearly every organism, plant or animal, including humans-we produce lectins too. • Which lectins react with, or agglutinate human blood cells? FACT: Surprisingly few lectins are blood type specific. Surprisingly fewer of those that are blood type specific are found in foods we eat. The vast majority of lectins in foods agglutinate all or no ABO types.
A protein substance commonly found in foods that binds with glycoproteins and glycolipids on the surface of animal cells causing agglutination. Some lectins cause agglutination of erythrocytes in specific blood groups. (medical dictionary definition). Lectins also play a significant role in hormonal reactions. In lay language, this translates to very tiny molecules found in foods that selectively cause blood and other body tissues to stick together. A lectin that causes the tissues of a person of one blood type to stick together will not necessarily have the same effect on a person of a different blood type.
