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Dendritic cells: functional aspects of glycosylation and lectins

Annika Erbacher1, Friederike Gieseke, Rupert Handgretinger

  • 1University Children's Hospital, Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, 72026 Tübingen, Germany.

Human Immunology
|February 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Dendritic cells (DCs) utilize carbohydrate-protein interactions, involving lectins and glycans, for antigen uptake, immune modulation, and viral infections. These interactions are critical for DC function, influencing immune responses beyond gene expression. Keywords: Dendritic cells, lectins, glycans, immune response, viral infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Glycobiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune responses, directing them towards tolerance or inflammation.
  • While gene expression profiling identified many crucial proteins, carbohydrate-protein interactions are increasingly recognized as vital for DC functions.
  • These interactions are essential for antigen uptake, cell migration, homing, and susceptibility to viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the glycobiological aspects of dendritic cell (DC) biology.
  • To highlight the role of lectins and glycans in DC-mediated antigen uptake, immune modulation, and viral infections.
  • To emphasize the importance of these interactions in bridging innate and acquired immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on glycobiological mechanisms in dendritic cells.
  • Analysis of the roles of specific C-type lectins (e.g., DC-SIGN, dectin-1, langerin, DEC-205) and other lectins (e.g., CD83, siglecs, galectins).
  • Examination of how DC surface glycosylation impacts immune signaling and function.

Main Results:

  • DCs employ various lectins for efficient antigen uptake and processing.
  • Altered DC surface glycosylation patterns significantly influence immune responses.
  • Lectins and glycans are critical mediators in DC interactions with antigens, pathogens, and other immune cells.

Conclusions:

  • Carbohydrate-protein interactions are fundamental to dendritic cell biology, impacting antigen handling, immune regulation, and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Understanding these glycobiological processes is crucial for deciphering DC functions at the innate-adaptive immunity interface.
  • This review underscores the significance of lectins and glycans in DC-mediated immune responses and viral infections.

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