Galectin-1 ligands on CAR-T cell surface glycans (Gal-1 ligands)

Galectin-1 ligands on CAR-T cell surface glycans refer to the specific carbohydrate structures, primarily N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) sequences, that serve as binding sites for the immunosuppressive protein Galectin-1 (LGALS1) (PubMed: 15771591). In the tumor microenvironment, Galectin-1 is often overexpressed and secreted by malignant cells, where it cross-links these glycan ligands on the surface of T-cells, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells (PubMed: 24631451). This interaction triggers signaling pathways that lead to T-cell apoptosis, reduced cytokine production, and overall functional exhaustion, thereby limiting the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy (PubMed: 30107175). Therapeutic strategies focus on either inhibiting Galectin-1 directly or enzymatically remodeling the CAR-T cell surface glycans to reduce Galectin-1 binding (PubMed: 33450204). By preventing this interaction, researchers aim to enhance the persistence and anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells in glycan-rich immunosuppressive environments (PubMed: 32814556).

Other names

Galectin-1 binding glycansT-cell surface glycansN-acetyllactosamine residuesLacNAc ligandsGal-1-reactive glycans

Inhibition of Galectin-1 binding to T-cell surface glycans to prevent apoptosis and enhance CAR-T cell persistence and effector function.