6-sulfo N-acetyllactosamine (slan)

Sulfated N-acetyllactosamine-containing cell-surface glycans represent a class of carbohydrate modifications, including 6-sulfo N-acetyllactosamine (slan) and 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X (6-sulfo sLeX), that play pivotal roles in immune regulation and cell trafficking (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019; Exploration of Immunology, 2021). The slan epitope is a non-sialylated, non-fucosylated glycan primarily expressed on a proinflammatory subset of human monocytes and dendritic cells known as slanDCs, where it serves as a definitive marker for cells that produce high levels of TNF-alpha and IL-12 (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019; PLoS ONE, 2011). In contrast, 6-sulfo sLeX is a sialylated and fucosylated derivative that acts as a critical ligand for L-selectin, mediating lymphocyte homing to high endothelial venules and sites of chronic inflammation (ACS Chemical Biology, 2007; Exploration of Immunology, 2021). These glycans are considered attractive therapeutic targets; for instance, monoclonal antibodies like MDC8 and DD2 are used to target slanDCs in inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, or for antigen delivery in cancer immunotherapy (Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, 2014; PLoS ONE, 2011). Furthermore, sulfated LacNAc structures serve as receptors for viral vectors like AAVrh.10 and are implicated in cancer immune evasion, with their presence in tumors often correlating with poor prognosis (Cell Reports, 2024; Journal of Virology, 2017; OncoImmunology, 2013). Therapeutic strategies targeting these glycans aim to modulate the inflammatory milieu or enhance anti-tumor immune responses, though challenges include potential systemic immunosuppression and the immunogenicity of targeting agents (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019).

Other names

6-sulfo LacNAcslan-antigenM-DC8 antigen6-sulfated N-acetyllactosamine6-sulfo-LacNAcSulfated N-acetyllactosamine-containing cell-surface glycans6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X6-sulfo sLeX

Targeted depletion of proinflammatory cells, inhibition of lymphocyte homing, or delivery of antigens for immunotherapy.