Modification of the Biological Activities of Concanavalin A by Anti-Concanavalin A

Concanavalin A (Con A) bound to cell membrane glycoproteins, may be dissociated from the membrane receptors by competitive ligands such as α-methyl-D-mannoside. Addition of antibody to Con A to the system forms complexes of antibody and Con A which are still bound to the membrane receptors. Such complexes are not dissociable from the membrane by α-methyl-D-mannoside. Presence of the complexes on the membrane is monitored by radioactive label or by passive lysis of the cells with guinea pig complement.