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9. Immunological Characterization & Biological Activity of Lectins from Legumes 

Lectins are sugar binding glyco-proteins present in specific tissues of plants. The Principal Investigator (P.I.) had isolated and purified some plants lectins, studied their biological activities and tried to determine the possibility of using pure lectins for potentiating the immuno response of a livestock vaccine. The results have indicated positive effects of lectin towards boosting the anibody titer after vaccination. Further, the antibody titer has also been shown to persist for a longer period than in case of routine vaccination. The project has been completed. There is a possibility of using lectins as immuno stimulants to improve the efficiency of vaccine. However, the project involved only laboratory studies regarding the isolation, screening and use of pure lectins for potentiating the immuno response of vaccines. Hence, the lectins found effective under the project are required to be incorporated in different vaccines and tried at larger scale before its potential for commercial exploitation can be suggested. The project findings have therefore been sent to Director Research, PAU for including this aspect in the University’s future research programme. The findings have also been sent to Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab; NDRI, Karnal; IVRI, Izzat Nagar; HAU and DBT for further use. The Principal Investigator was Dr. Rattan Singh, Senior Biochemist (Retd.), Deptt. of Biochemistry, PAU, Ludhiana.

Contact Person: Dr. J.K Arora, jkarora@pscst.com