Lectin(s) extracted from seeds of Artocarpus integrifolia (jackfruit): potent and selective stimulator(s) of distinct human T and B cell functions

A lectin activity that selectively induces different functions of human lymphocytes has been described in a PBS crude extract obtained from the seeds of Artocarpus integrifolia (jackfruit). Both unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified T cells are strongly stimulated to proliferate by this extract, whereas purified B cells are not. However, the lectin induced a potent polyclonal activation of B cells measured by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay using a multivalent anti-human Fab antibody.