Effects of lectins and tunicamycin on IL-1 binding to YT cells.

Specific binding of iodinated-interleukin-1 alpha or beta to YT cells could be inhibited by the lectins wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and concanavalin A (Con A). WGA and Con A inhibition of IL-1 binding was abrogated by previous exposure of these plant proteins to the lectin-specific sugars N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and methyl glucoside (MG), respectively. Tunicamycin, an inhibitor of glycosylation, decreased interleukin-1 (IL-1) binding to YT cells, but also reduced total protein synthesis. These observations suggest that carbohydrate moieties on or near the interleukin-1 receptor may be important for optimal receptor binding of IL-1 to intact YT cells.