Recent achievements in the development of multitargeted molecular inhibitors necessitate a better understanding of

Pig valve cusps contain several complex lipid-bound carbohydrate structures that may be targets for the human immune system. Notable, the NeuGc determinant was absent in the cusp gangliosides. This work forms a platform for further characterizing the antibody reactivity of patients with porcine-derived BHV.

Background: Carbohydrate epitopes are often used as markers for characterization of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Results: Several glycosphingolipids not previously found in hESC were characterized. Conclusion: The glycosylation of hESC is more complex than previously thought. Significance: These findings will help to understand the immunogenicity of hESC and might impact future applications in regenerative medicine.

Background: Carbohydrate epitopes are often used as markers for characterization of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC).Results: Sialyl-lactotetra is highly expressed on the cell surface of hPSC lines, and the expression decreased upon early differentiation.Conclusion: Sialyl-lactotetra is a novel marker of undifferentiated human stem cells.Significance: These findings might impact future applications in regenerative medicine.

Adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to the gastric mucosa is a prerequisite for the pathogenesis of H. pylori related diseases. In this study, we investigated the ganglioside composition of human stomach as the target for attachment mediated by H. pylori SabA (sialic acid binding adhesin). Acid glycosphingolipids were isolated from human stomach and separated into subfractions, which were characterized by mass spectrometry and by binding of antibodies, bacteria, and Solanum tuberosum lectin. H. pylori SabA binding gangliosides were characterized as Neu5Acα3-neolactohexaosylceramide and Neu5Acα3-neolactooctaosylceramide, while the other acid human stomach glycosphingolipids characterized (sulfatide and the gangliosides GM3, GD3, GM1, Neu5Acα3-neolactotetraosylceramide, GD1a and GD1b) were not recognized by the bacteria. Defining H. pylori binding glycosphingolipids of the human gastric mucosa will be useful to specifically target this microbe-host interaction for therapeutic intervention.