The paired
sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin like lectins (
Siglecs) are characterized by similar cellular distribution and
ligand recognition but opposing signalling functions attributed to different intracellular sequences. Since
sialic acid-
Siglec axis are known to control immune homeostasis, the imbalance between activatory and inhibitory mechanisms of
glycan-dependent immune control is considered to promote pathology. The role of sialylation in
cancer is described, however, its importance in immune regulation in
gliomas is not fully understood. The experimental and clinical observation suggest that
dexamethasone (Dex) and
temozolomide (TMZ), used in the
glioma management, alter the immunity within the tumour microenvironment. Using
glioma-microglia/monocytes transwell co-cultures, we investigated modulatory action of Dex/TMZ on paired
Siglecs. Based on real-time PCR and flow cytometry, we found changes in
SIGLEC genes and their products. These effects were accompanied by altered
cytokine profile and immune cells phenotype switching measured by arginases expression. Additionally, the exposure to Dex or TMZ increased the binding of inhibitory Siglec-5 and Siglec-11 fusion
proteins to
glioma cells. Our study suggests that the
therapy-induced modulation of the interplay between sialoglycans and paired
Siglecs, dependently on patient's phenotype, is of particular signification in the immune surveillance in the
glioma management and may be useful in
glioma patient's
therapy plan verification.