Lectins: Biomedical Perspectives

Lectins form a ubiquitous and important class of natural carbohydrate- binding information proteins. Although the main scientific interest was originally focussed on toxic lectins such as ricin, recent emphasis has shifted to exploring their involvement in cell-to-cell communication and recognition in microorganisms, plants and animals.; As knowledge of the basic properties and biological activities of lectins has increased, exciting opportunities have arisen for the exploitation of some of the advantageous aspects of fundamental lectinology.; "Lectins: Biomedical Perspectives" records the major achievements of an initiative, funded by the European Community, to coordinate lectin research throughout Europe.