Structure of Dioclea virgata lectin: Relations between carbohydrate binding site and nitric oxide production

► DvirL is a NO inducer and allows many interactions with the first saccharide unit. ► The approaching Tyr12 is the main structural feature involved in this binding. ► Biological activities induced by lectins depend on the configuration of CRD. ► The structural conformation of CRD can interfere in the carbohydrate recognition.