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Bioinformatics Resources for the Study of Glycan-Mediated Protein Interactions
Published on: January 20, 2022
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Glycan-Lectin Interactions in Cancer and Viral Infections and How to Disrupt Them
Stefanie Maria Kremsreiter1, Ann-Sophie Helene Kroell1, Katharina Weinberger1
1Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Glycan-lectin interactions are crucial in cellular processes, but cancer cells and viruses exploit them for pathogenesis. Targeting these interactions offers potential new therapies for cancer and viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Glycan-lectin interactions are vital for cellular processes, including immune responses.
- Cancer cells and viruses hijack these interactions, displaying specific glycosylation structures to bind lectins and promote disease.
- These interactions are implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, chemoresistance, viral entry, release, and immune escape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on glycan-lectin interactions in cancer and viral infections.
- To examine the roles of specific lectins (MGL, DC-SIGN, selectins, galectins) in these pathologies.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Comparative analysis of glycan-lectin roles in cancer and viral pathogenesis.
- Identification of common and distinct mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Glycan-lectin interactions significantly contribute to cancer progression and viral pathogenesis.
- Specific lectins like MGL, DC-SIGN, selectins, and galectins are key players in these processes.
- Understanding these interactions reveals shared pathways exploitable by pathogens and tumors.
Conclusions:
- Glycan-lectin interactions represent a common mechanism exploited by both cancer and viruses.
- Targeting these interactions could yield novel therapeutic strategies applicable to diverse pathological conditions.
- Further research into disrupting these pathways holds promise for new treatments.
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