Role of lectin (hlyA) in the hemolytic and hemagglutinating activity of Vibrio cholerae

Data on the nature of the substance which determines the structural gene hlyA in V. cholerae are presented. Computer analysis and experimental data on hemolysin preparations and V. cholerae strains testify that gene hlyA determines the synthesis of ricin-like galactose-specific lectin. Its lectin domain takes part in the lysis of sheep (but not rabbit!) red blood cells, as well as in the hemagglutinating capacity of non-toxigenic and toxigenic V. cholerae 569 B.