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Author Spotlight: Dendritic Cells Maturation Using Sialidases-Based Enzymatic Treatment of the Cell Surface
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Siglec and anti-Siglec therapies
Gavuthami Murugesan1, Bernd Weigle2, Paul R Crocker1
1Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, United Kingdom.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|February 19, 2021
Summary
Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) regulate immune responses. Targeting the Siglec-sialic acid pathway offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Siglecs are cell surface receptors recognizing sialic acids on glycans.
- They play critical roles in immune cell signaling and function.
- Siglecs are implicated as immune checkpoints in disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for targeting the Siglec-sialic acid axis.
- To explore therapeutic interventions for human diseases, especially cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Siglec function and therapeutic targeting.
- Analysis of Siglec-sialic acid interactions in disease contexts.
Main Results:
- Siglecs modulate immune responses through specific sialic acid binding.
- Targeting this axis shows promise for cancer and inflammatory disease treatment.
Conclusions:
- The Siglec-sialic acid axis represents a viable therapeutic target.
- Exploiting this pathway could lead to novel treatments for various human diseases.
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