凝集素具有多种生物学功能,可作为分子探针检测肿瘤细胞表面及细胞内糖基受体的分布,研究肿瘤细胞的分化、变异情况,用于肿瘤的诊断、治疗及预后。凝集素还可用作免疫佐剂以及用于细胞分型和鉴定微生物等,其多价结合能力使其在免疫细胞化学研究中得到广泛应用。
Lectins have been used as molecular probes to detect the distribution of the glycon receptors on the surface or inside of cells and to investigate the differentiation and variation of tumor cells. They can also be applied in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancers and in cytotype, identifying micro-organisms, and can be used as immunological adjuvants.