Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
13:36
Generation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells with Differing Sialylated Phenotypes
Published on: October 20, 2023
Siglecs and their roles in the immune system
Paul R Crocker1, James C Paulson, Ajit Varki
1Wellcome Trust Biocentre, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD 15EH, UK. p.r.crocker@dundee.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|March 24, 2007
Summary
Sialic-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) on immune cells regulate functions via glycan recognition. Recent studies explore Siglec signaling, endocytosis, pathogen recognition, and CD33-related Siglec evolution.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune cell surfaces feature diverse glycans, crucial for cell-cell interactions.
- Glycan-binding proteins, including Siglecs, recognize these structures to modulate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on Siglec signaling mechanisms.
- To discuss the roles of Siglecs in endocytosis and pathogen recognition.
- To explore the functions and evolution of CD33-related Siglecs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on Siglec signaling.
- Analysis of Siglec involvement in cellular processes like endocytosis.
- Discussion of evolutionary factors influencing CD33-related Siglec diversity.
Main Results:
- Siglecs mediate cell-cell interactions and regulate innate and adaptive immunity.
- Siglec signaling pathways are involved in endocytosis and pathogen recognition.
- CD33-related Siglecs have recently discovered functions and are rapidly evolving.
Conclusions:
- Siglecs are key regulators of immune cell function through glycan recognition.
- Further research into Siglec signaling and evolution is warranted.
- Understanding Siglecs offers insights into immune system regulation and disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Selectins
Cell adhesion is an essential aspect of multicellularity. While stable cell interactions usually occur between cells of the same type, transient cell interactions occur between cells of different tissue types, such as between neutrophils and endothelial cells. Selectins are one class of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that bind carbohydrate ligands to form transient cell adhesion. They are rod-like proteins with a long extracellular part of variable length ending with the lectin domain, which...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...