Sponge aggregation factor and sponge hemagglutinin: Possible relationships between two different molecules

A lectin from the marine sponge GEODIA CYDONIUM was isolated and characterized. GEODIA lectin (GL) agglutinates human red blood cells irrespective of the ABO blood group and precipitates with a variety of D-galactose containing glycosubstances, i.e. certain snail galactans, bovine erythrocyte glycoprotein and PNEUMOCOCCUS type XIV polysaccharide. The only simple sugars inhibiting the GL-mediated hemagglutination were lactose and n-acetyl-D-galactosamine.