A possible mechanism of induction of insect lectin.

Studies were made using antibody against a lectin induced in the hemolymph of Sarcophaga peregrina larvae on injury. The results suggested that the alpha subunit (Mr = 32,000) of the lectin is normally present in the hemolymph. On injury of the body wall, part of the alpha subunit seems to be converted to the beta subunit (Mr = 30,000), probably by partial proteolysis with a protease activated in response to the injury. As a result, an active lectin with the structure alpha 4 beta 2 is formed.