How Do You Spell CONCANAVALIN A RECEPTOR?
Pronunciation: [kənkˈane͡ɪvˌalɪn ɐ ɹɪsˈɛptə] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [kənkˈane͡ɪvˌalɪn ɐ ɹɪsˈɛptə] (IPA)
Concanavalin A Receptor (Con A Receptor) refers to a specific cell surface receptor protein that binds with the Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin. The Con A receptor is primarily found on the surface of various mammalian cells, including immune cells like lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. It is commonly used in laboratory research and applications to study cellular interactions, immune responses, and cell signaling processes.
The Con A receptor is a transmembrane glycoprotein, meaning it spans the cell membrane and contains saccharide (sugar) residues. It is responsible for recognizing and binding to the Con A lectin, a type of protein derived from the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis).
When Con A binds to its receptor, it initiates a cascade of cellular events, including activation of immune cells, modulation of cytokine production, and induction of inflammation. This receptor-ligand interaction is utilized extensively in research to investigate cellular and immunological processes, such as cell adhesion, agglutination, and signaling modulation.
Additionally, the Con A receptor has been implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions. Its role in mediating cell adhesion and recognition has been associated with tumor metastasis, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections.
In summary, the Concanavalin A Receptor is a specific membrane protein found on mammalian cells that binds to the Con A lectin. It plays a significant role in cell adhesion, immune responses, and cell signaling processes, making it a valuable tool in laboratory research and implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions.
