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Differences Between Lectins & Antibodies

Lectins and antibodies may share some similar characteristics, but they come from different sources and often behave in different ways. Both are proteins and both can cause cells to bind or clot, but not all lectins are beneficial and not all antibodies are completely helpful all the time. Research continues to uncover the relationship between diet and the body's autoimmune response.

  1. Definitions

    • A lectin is a naturally occurring complex protein molecule that can bind to carbohydrates and cause agglutination, or the binding of cells. Antibodies, or immunoglobulins (Ig), are blood proteins that serve to protect the body against disease-spreading or infectious antigens. According to the Microbial World, antibodies fall into five main categories: IgG, which is the most abundant; IgM, which is the largest; IgA, which is found in breast milk; IgE, which is often involved in allergic reactions; and IgD, which aids in antigen reception.

    Origins

    • Lectins are found in all food sources but are primarily associated with plants like grains, rice and legumes. Antibodies are made in the blood in varying quantities to combat antigen threats, such as harmful bacteria or viruses. Synthetic antibodies are also available in the form of vaccines, but work as catalysts to encourage the body's own production of antibodies.

    Functions

    • Because lectins can bind to sugars and carbohydrates, they can behave like antibodies, causing red blood cells to link and clot. Additionally, lectins can cause cells to multiply or can even cause cell death. Certain types of lectins found in wheat may promote immunological activities while other sources, reports CBS News, like from the castor bean, are highly poisonous. However, the human body produces antibodies to consistently protect humans from disease and infection.

    Differences

    • A lectin is an ingested protein whereas the body creates antibody proteins. A significant difference between lectins and antibodies is not what they do, but why they do it. While lectins and antibodies can behave similarly by latching onto cells and changing their structure, antibodies protect cells within the body from harm, whereas lectins have the ability to change cell structures and behaviors -- whether it be good, bad or indifferent.

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