Isolation and characterization of lectins from stem and leaves of Korean mistletoe (Viscum album var.coloratum) by affinity chromatography.

We attempted to isolate and characterize the lectins from stem and leaves of Korean mistletoe (Viscum album var.coloratum) by affinity chromatography. Lectin I was isolated only from stem. Lectin II was not isolated from Korean mistletoe, whereas lectin III was isolated from the stem and leaves. The hemagglutinating activity of lectin I was 16HU and inhibited by D-galactose, lactose, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. The lectin I has molecular weight of 60,000D being composed of two basic subunits with molecular weights of 32,000 D and 28,000 D which are linked by a disufide bond. The lectin III from stem has molecular weight of 66,000D being two basic subunits which have molecular weights of 34,000D and 29,000D and are linked by a disufide bond. The activity of lectin I was stable at the pH range of 4.00 approximately 8.50, and at a wide range of temperature (0 approximately 42 degrees C). The lectin I showed more potent mitogenic activity to murine lymphocytes than concanavalin A.