Transformation of neuraminidase-treated lymphocytes by soybean agglutinin.

Transformation of mouse-spleen lymphocytes in the presence of soybean agglutinin is markedly enhanced after their treatment with neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18). Incubation of the cells with the enzyme also facilitates their agglutination by the lectin. The soybean agglutinin-induced agglutination and transformation is inhibited specifically by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. New specific binding sites for soybean agglutinin were shown to appear after neuraminidase treatment. It is postulated that the transformation of neuraminidase-treated mouse-spleen lymphocytes induced by soybean agglutinin is caused by the binding of the lectin to galactosyl residues exposed by the action of neuraminidase on the cell membrane.