Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Generation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells with Differing Sialylated Phenotypes
Published on: October 20, 2023
Structural implications of Siglec-5-mediated sialoglycan recognition
Marina A Zhuravleva1, Kathryn Trandem, Peter D Sun
1Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Structural studies of Siglec-5 reveal its mechanism for recognizing sialic acid (Sia) on carbohydrates. This finding suggests Siglec-5 and related receptors exhibit broader sialoglycan recognition than previously known.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Sialic acid (Sia) Ig-like binding lectins, known as Siglecs, are crucial for myeloid cell recognition and signaling.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Siglec function is essential for deciphering immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of Siglec-5 (CD170) function by determining its crystal structure.
- To investigate Siglec-5's interaction with sialylated carbohydrates at an atomic level.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structure of Siglec-5's N-terminal domains.
- Complex structures with alpha(2,3)- and alpha(2,6)-sialyllactose were obtained.
- Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assays were performed.
Main Results:
- The native Siglec-5 structure displayed an unusual CC' loop conformation and a unique interdomain disulfide bond.
- Complexed structures revealed a conserved Sia recognition motif involving Arg124 and the G-strand.
- Limited protein contacts with subterminal sugars were observed, mediated by the GG' linker and CC' loop.
Conclusions:
- Structural and binding data provide mechanistic insights into Siglec-5's linkage-dependent carbohydrate recognition.
- Siglec-5 and related CD33-Siglecs demonstrate broader promiscuity in sialoglycan recognition than previously assumed.
Related Concept Videos
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
Protein Glycosylation
Glycosylation occurs in...
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Glycocalyx and its Functions
Components of...
Proteoglycans
Selectins

