Characterization of the exposed carbohydrates on the surface membrane of adultSchistosoma mansoniby analysis of lectin binding

Abstract

SUMMARYThe surface architecture of adult maleSchistosoma mansoniwas explored using a range of lectins with differing carbohydrate specificities. Highest specific binding was achieved with concanavalin A and the agglutinin of molecular weight 60000 fromRicinus communis; the binding of wheat germ agglutinin was mostly non-specific. Small amounts of peanut agglutinin and soybean agglutinin binding were observed and the binding of these lectins was increased by pre-treating the parasite with neuraminidase. The fucose binding protein ofLotus tetragonolobusfailed to bind. These results indicate that mannose and/or glucose, galactose,N-acetyl-glucosamine,N-acetyl-galactosamine and sialic acid are exposed on the surface of the adult male schistosome.