Cell-surface anionic components

Cell-surface anionic components refer to a heterogeneous group of negatively charged molecules located on the plasma membrane of host cells and pathogens. These components primarily include glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), sialic acids, and anionic phospholipids like phosphatidylserine (Campione et al., 2021; Valenti & Antonini, 2005). In the context of pharmacology, these molecules serve as critical attachment factors for various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and HCV, as well as numerous bacterial species, facilitating their initial docking and subsequent entry into host cells (Hu et al., 2021). Therapeutic strategies targeting these components often involve cationic proteins or peptides, such as lactoferrin and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which bind to the anionic sites through electrostatic interactions to competitively inhibit pathogen adhesion or disrupt membrane integrity (Berlutti et al., 2011). Additionally, the exposure of certain anionic components like phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of cancer cells—a phenomenon typically absent in healthy cells—provides a selective target for anticancer therapies and imaging agents. This broad target class is essential for maintaining membrane potential and mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, though its non-specific nature presents challenges in achieving high therapeutic selectivity.

Other names

Anionic cell surface componentsAnionic surface moleculesNegatively charged cell surface componentsAnionic membrane componentsCell surface glycosaminoglycans

Competitive inhibition of pathogen attachment; membrane disruption; opsonization of apoptotic or malignant cells