Concanavalin A (also commonly known as ConA) is a mannose/glucose-binding lectin which irreversibly binds to glycoproteins on cell membranes causing the glycoprotein to internalize preferentially to the mitochondria to induce programmed cell death via autophagy.
Uses
Con A has a wide range of applications. It is a T-cell mitogen which is frequently used to stimulate / activate T-cells and activate the immune response.
ConA is often used to characterize glycoproteins and other glycan presenting cells and in addition, also agglutinates erythrocytes and a variety of cell types.
ConA shows various biological actions and can induce programmed cell death via mitochondria mediated apoptosis and autophagy.
ConA and PMA are often used in combination to stimulate DNA and protein synthesis at a greater extent than when applied individually.
Understanding purity and quality - a guide for life scientists
