Cell-Surface Carbohydrates in Cell Recognition and Response

Abstract

Complex carbohydrates coat the surfaces of cells and have the potential to carry the information necessary for cell-cell recognition. Sugar-specific receptors (lectins) are also present on cells, and can interact with sugars on apposing cells. This may result in the adhesion of the two cells via carbohydrates and specific cell-surface receptors. Such carbohydrate-directed cell adhesion appears to be important in many intercellular activities including infection by bacteria and viruses, communication among cells of lower eukaryotes, specific binding of sperm to egg; and recirculation of lymphocytes, among others. New approaches involving synthesis of chemically defined cell-surface analogs, in conjunction with inhibition experiments, are beginning to reveal the mechanics of a potential carbohydrate "language" involved in intercellular interactions.

Xylitol inhibits J774A.1 macrophage adhesion in vitro

“…More specifically, mammalian alveolar macrophages adhered to polyacrilamide surfaces derivatized with mannose residues. Adhesion was blocked by the soluble D-mannose, suggesting that a reported cell-surface carbohydrate receptor on macrophages can mediate the cell adhesion (Brandley and Schnaar, 1986). In the literature, few works describe the effect of carbohydrates (different to xylitol) on the macrophage adhesion.…”

Role of Glucomannans in Immunology

“…This recognition occurs by interaction of surface receptors on the antigen attached cells with corresponding surface molecules on the infectious agents (161). Usually complex carbohydrate residues coat the surfaces of cells and have the potential to carry the information required for cellcell recognition (162).…”

Broadening Our View About the Role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cell Envelope Components During Infection: A Battle for Survival

“…The biological activities attributed to these surface-exposed glycolipids may derive, at least in part, from the modulation of cell functions through the interactions between host membranes and them, whose structures are different from those of mammalian cell membrane components. Biologically active glycolipids have been shown to profoundly affect the physical and functional properties of biologic membranes (Brandley & Schnaar, 1986) as well as inhibit both macrophage antimicrobial activities and lymphocyte proliferation (Vergne & Daffe, 1998). Therefore, the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis may represent potential drug targets (Kaur et al, 2009).…”