The role of galactosyltransferases in cell surface functions and in the immune system.

Abstract

The immune system relies on cellular communication and often on the recognition of carbohydrates by mammalian lectins. Galactose (Gal)-containing structures are involved in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Gal is a ligand for Gal/N-acetylgalactosmine (GalNAc) receptors and galectins, and is part of the scaffold structure that synthesizes oligosaccharide ligands for selectins, siglecs and other lectins of the immune system. Gal residues are added to glycoproteins and glycolipids by members of a large family of galactosyltransferases. The expression of many of these enzymes is regulated by the action of cytokines, and becomes altered in various disease states. Specific galactosyltransferases have been shown to control cell adhesion and leukocyte functions. Antibodies need to be galactosylated for normal function, and undergalactosylated immunoglobulin (Ig) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, while Gal is lacking in the IgA of patients with IgA nephropathy. Interactions involving Gal play important roles in host defenses; they can also result in serious pathophysiology. Galactosyltransferases represent potential targets for the control of cell growth and apoptosis, inflammation and infections.

• Authors: Inka Brockhausen
• Journal: Drug news & perspectives (Drug News Perspect) Vol. 19 Issue 7 Pg. 401-9 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 0214-0934 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17080203 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2006 Prous Science. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• ABO Blood-Group System
• Antigens, Viral, Tumor
• Galectins
• Lectins
• Lewis Blood Group Antigens
• Receptors, Immunologic
• Selectins
• Sialic Acid Binding Immunoglobulin-like Lectins
• Trisaccharides
• galactose-N-acetylgalactosamine receptor
• linear B trisaccharide
• Galactosyltransferases
• Galactose

Topics

• ABO Blood-Group System (metabolism)
• Antigens, Viral, Tumor (biosynthesis)
• Cell Adhesion
• Cell Membrane (metabolism)
• Galactose (metabolism)
• Galactosyltransferases (metabolism, physiology)
• Galectins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immune System (metabolism, physiology)
• Immunity, Active
• Immunity, Innate
• Lectins (metabolism)
• Lewis Blood Group Antigens (biosynthesis)
• Receptors, Immunologic (metabolism)
• Selectins (metabolism)
• Sialic Acid Binding Immunoglobulin-like Lectins
• Transplantation, Heterologous
• Trisaccharides (metabolism)