Host epithelial cell surface glycan

Host epithelial cell surface glycans are diverse carbohydrate structures present on the extracellular surface of epithelial cells, forming a critical interface known as the glycocalyx[4][3][6]. These glycans are post-translational modifications on proteins (glycoproteins such as mucins) and lipids (glycolipids), and their composition varies greatly depending on tissue type and physiological state[4][2][6]. Their main biological roles include protecting cells from mechanical and enzymatic damage, mediating cell-cell and cell-pathogen interactions, and regulating immune recognition[2][3][4]. They serve as the first point of contact for many pathogens and commensals, acting as primary receptors, co-receptors, or attachment factors required for microbial adherence, invasion, or blocking infection[1][6][5]. Alterations in the glycan composition due to genetic, environmental, or microbial factors can modulate disease progression, influence immune responses, and are implicated in multiple pathologies, including infection, inflammation, and cancer[3][4]. As a collective class of surface modifications, "host epithelial cell surface glycans" is not considered a single therapeutic target, enzyme, or receptor, but rather a heterogeneous group of molecular structures with important but diffuse biological and therapeutic relevance[6][4]. Attempts to therapeutically target these structures face challenges due to their ubiquity, heterogeneity, and essential physiological functions.

Other names

Epithelial cell glycanEpithelial surface glycanEpithelial glycocalyx glycan