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Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
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A comparative review of intelectins
Lei Chen1, Jinyi Li1, Guiwen Yang1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|April 4, 2020
Summary
Intelectin (ITLN) is a glycan-binding lectin involved in innate immunity and various diseases. Its evolution and functions across species reveal conserved sequences but diverse roles, suggesting undiscovered potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Intelectin (ITLN) is a novel glycan-binding lectin.
- ITLN exhibits bacterial agglutination, indicating a role in innate immunity.
- ITLN is implicated in physiological processes and diseases like asthma, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of the intelectin gene family.
- To summarize the tissue distribution, structure, and functions of intelectins.
- To highlight the conserved yet diverse nature of intelectins across species.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and comparative analysis of intelectin orthologs.
- Examination of sequence conservation and functional divergence.
- Synthesis of data on expression patterns and quaternary structures.
Main Results:
- Intelectin orthologs are found in diverse taxa, from placozoans to mammals.
- While sequences are conserved, expression, structure, and function vary significantly.
- Intelectin's role in innate immunity is supported, with potential for further discoveries.
Conclusions:
- Intelectin plays a crucial role in innate immune responses.
- Significant functional and structural diversity exists among intelectins across species.
- Further research is warranted to uncover the full spectrum of intelectin functions.
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