Glycomics, extracellular matrix, and anti-glycan antibodies in exfoliation syndrome

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is considered to be a disease of extracellular matrix. Here we review key experimental evidence of aberrations in structure, expression, and function of glycoproteins, complex carbohydrates, and glycosaminoglycans found in extracellular matrix components forming exfoliation material in patients presenting with XFS. We hypothesize that certain components of the accumulating exfoliation material can become immunogenic, and multiple natural antibodies or autoantibodies are generated. Anti-glycan antibodies (AGAs) can be captured on Printed Glycan Array. Our preliminary results show robust immunoprofiles of AGAs in sera of patients with XFS, and the significant presence of AGAs in aqueous humor of these patients. These findings offer insight into the dynamics of AGAs during the development of XFS that could lead to the identification of the AGA-based XFS immuno-signature.