Changes in plasma and IgG N-glycome during childhood and adolescence

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Protein glycosylation is crucial for physiological and pathological processes.
• Glycans hold potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
• The glycome of pediatric populations is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze N-linked plasma and IgG glycomes in children and adolescents.
• To identify age- and sex-dependent glycan changes in this demographic.
• To compare pediatric glycan patterns with those of adults.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of N-linked plasma and IgG glycomes.
• Study cohort: 170 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years.
• Statistical analysis to identify associations between glycans, age, and sex.

Main Results:

• Significant biological variability and numerous age-associated glycan changes were observed.
• Younger children showed higher proportions of large complex glycan structures.
• Age-dependent increases in disialylated biantennary structures and digalactosylated glycans were noted, with decreases in core fucosylation and agalactosylated glycans.
• Observed pediatric glycan changes differ in direction and intensity from adult patterns.
• Sex differences in glycan profiles were minimal in children, becoming more apparent during puberty.

Conclusions:

• The glycome undergoes distinct age-related transformations during childhood and adolescence.
• Pediatric glycan profiles exhibit unique characteristics compared to adults.
• These findings are critical for developing and evaluating glycan-based diagnostics and therapeutics in children.