Glycocalyx of lung epithelial cells

Due to their diversity and external location on cell membranes, glycans, as glycocalyx components, are key elements in eukaryotic cell, tissue, and organ homeostasis. Although information on the lung glycocalyx is scarce, this article aims to review, discuss, and summarize what is known about bronchoalveolar glycocalyx composition, mainly the sialic acids. It was deemed relevant, however, to make a brief introductory overview of the cell glycocalyx and its particular development in epithelial cells. After that, follows a summary of the evolution of the knowledge regarding the bronchoalveolar glycocalyx composition throughout the years, particularly its morphological features. Since sialic acids are located terminally on the bronchoalveolar lining cells' glycocalyx and play crucial roles, we focused mainly on the existing lung histochemical and biochemical data of these sugar residues, as well as their evolution throughout lung development. The functions of the lung glycocalyx sialic acids are discussed and interpretations of their roles analyzed, including those related to the negative overall superficial shield provided by these molecules. The increasing presence of these sugar residues throughout postnatal lung development should be regarded as pivotal in the development and maintenance of a dynamic bronchoalveolar architecture, supporting the normal histophysiology of the respiratory system. The case for a profound knowledge of lung glycocalyx--given its potential to provide answers to serious clinical problems--is made with particular reference to cystic fibrosis. Finally, concluding remarks and perspectives for future research in this field are put forth.