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Mammalian glycosylation in immunity
Jamey D Marth1, Prabhjit K Grewal
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA. jmarth@ucsd.edu
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|October 11, 2008
Summary
Glycans, or the glycome, are key regulators of the immune system. This review explores the diverse functions of the mammalian glycome in immunity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Glycosylation generates a vast array of glycans, collectively termed the glycome.
- Glycans are fundamental cellular macromolecules with critical roles in the immune system.
- Glycans function as ligands for lectins, mediating biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging immunological roles of the mammalian glycome.
- To highlight the regulatory functions of endogenous cellular glycosylation in vertebrate immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glycosylation and immunology.
- Analysis of selectin-glycan interactions in leukocyte trafficking.
- Exploration of broader immune system regulation by glycosylation.
Main Results:
- Glycans are integral to immune system regulation.
- Endogenous glycosylation controls various aspects of vertebrate immunity.
- Selectins and their glycan ligands are crucial for leukocyte trafficking.
Conclusions:
- The mammalian glycome plays a significant and expanding role in immunological functions.
- Understanding glycan regulation is essential for comprehending immune system dynamics.
- Further research into the glycome's immunological impact is warranted.
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