Isolation and Characterization of An Immunosuppressive Protein From Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Tubers

Abstract

An immunosuppressive protein was isolated from Trichosanthes kirilowii root tubers by a procedure involving acetone fractionation and ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sepharose. Homogeneity of the protein was demonstrated in immunoelectrophoresis, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, gel filtration, high performance liquid chromatography and a single NH₂-terminal sequence. The protein had a molecular weight of 26, 000, aspartic acid as the NH₂-terminal amino acid and no cysteine or carbohydrates in its molecule. It inhibited ConA-induced transformation in lymphocytes isolated from spleens of CBA mice. The protein was also potent in inducing mid-term abortion in mice.