Abstract
Five L-fucose-specific lectins which were produced by Streptomyces were compared with a L-fucose-specific lectin, SFL 16-3, which was produced by Streptomyces no. 16-3 [T. Kameyama, K. Oishi and K. Aida, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 587, 407 (1979)]. Except for SFL 374, their blood group specificity was similar to that of SFL 16-3, which preferentially agglutinates human blood group O erythrocytes. SFL 374 did not distinguish O erythrocytes from B erythrocytes. Except for SFL 194, they were similar in moelcular weight, isoelectric point and amino acid composition, and serologically cross-reactive with each other. SFL 194 had an exceptionally large molecular weight and was not cross-reactive, although it was quite similar in amino acid composition. Taxonomical properties of the Streptomyces strains producing these lectins were correlated with the properties of the lectins.
