VVL recognizes preferentially α- or β-linked terminal N-acetylgalactosamine, especially a single α-N-acetylgalactosamine residue linked to serine or threonine in a polypeptide (the Tn antigen). Evidence suggests that this lectin also may require specific amino acid sequences at the receptor site of glycosylation. The disaccharide galactosyl (α-1,3) N-acetylgalactosamine is also a potent inhibitor of this lectin.
Biotinylated Vicia villosa lectin has an appropriate number of biotins bound to provide the optimum staining characteristics for this lectin. This conjugate is supplied essentially free of unconjugated biotins and is preserved with sodium azide.
