Immune cell surface carbohydrates

Immune cell surface carbohydrates, collectively known as the immune glycome, are complex sugar structures (glycans) attached to proteins and lipids on the exterior of immune cells. These molecules play a fundamental role in the immune system by serving as ligands for various glycan-binding proteins, or lectins, such as Siglecs, selectins, and galectins [1.1.2, 1.4.4]. Through these interactions, surface carbohydrates regulate critical processes including cell adhesion, migration, and the discrimination between self and non-self [1.1.2, 1.2.3]. In many pathological states, particularly cancer, the glycosylation patterns on immune and tumor cells are altered to create glyco-immune checkpoints that suppress immune activation and facilitate disease progression [1.3.2, 1.3.5]. Therapeutic interventions targeting these carbohydrates include enzymatic modifiers like sialidases, which remove inhibitory sialic acids, and glycomimetics or antibodies that block lectin-carbohydrate interactions [1.3.1, 1.4.5]. These approaches are currently being explored to enhance anti-tumor immunity and treat inflammatory conditions like sickle cell disease and acute myeloid leukemia [1.2.4, 1.4.5].

Other names

Cell surface glycansImmune glycansGlyco-immune checkpointsSialoglycansCarbohydrate antigens

Enzymatic desialylation of cell surface glycans, competitive inhibition of lectin-carbohydrate binding, and blockade of selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion.