Glycosidase-catalysed synthesis of α-galactosyl epitopes important in xenotransplantation and toxin binding using the α-galactosidase from Penicillium multicolor

Abstract

The α-galactosidase from Penicillium multicolor catalyses highly regioselective galactosyl transfer on to mono- and di-saccharide acceptors that have a non-reducing terminal galactose unit to give products containing the α-D-Galp-(1→3)-D-Galp epitope found on pig tissue and which is responsible for the hyperacute rejection response in xenotransplantation of pig organs into man.