Induction of human γ interferon by Sarcophaga peregrina humoral lectin

Abstract
Humoral lectin isolated from the hemolymph of injured Sarcophaga peregrina(flesh‐fly) larvae was found to activate human peripheral blood cells to produce interferon activity. This interferon was inactivated by dialysis against a solution of pH 2.0 and by heat treatment at 56°C for 30 min, indicating that it was a γ interferon. The role of this lectin in the defence mechanism is discussed from the viewpoint of comparative immunology.