Variations in lectin binding properties of intestinal M cells.

Glycoconjugate expression in follicle-associated epithelia has been examined by application of a panel of lectins to fixed, whole tissue preparations of mouse and rabbit Peyer's and caecal patches. Of those examined, only alpha-L-fucose-specific lectins such as Ulex europaeus agglutinin I bound selectively to M cells in murine Peyer's patches and this selectivity did not extend to mouse caecal patch M cells. In common with a variety of other lectins (wheat germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin and Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin II), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I exhibited selective binding to M cells in rabbit caecal patch and to enterocytes in rabbit Peyer's patch. The marked regional and species variation in M cell surface characteristics documented here has implications for the normal antigen-sampling function of M cells and to the rational design of particulates for transepithelial delivery via the M cell portal.