Diverse immunoregulatory circuits operate to preserve intestinal homeostasis and prevent inflammation. Galectin-1 (Gal1), a β-galactoside–binding protein, promotes homeostasis by reprogramming innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we identify a glycosylation-dependent “on-off” circuit driven by Gal1 and its glycosylated ligands that controls intestinal immunopathology by targeting activated CD8+ T cells and shaping the cytokine profile. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), augmented Gal1 was associated with dysregulated expression of core 2 β6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (C2GNT1) and α(2,6)-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1), glycosyltransferases responsible for creating or masking Gal1 ligands. Mice lacking Gal1 exhibited exacerbated colitis and augmented mucosal CD8+ T cell activation in response to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; this phenotype was partially ameliorated by treatment with recombinant Gal1. While C2gnt1−/− mice exhibited aggravated colitis, St6gal1−/− mice showed attenuated inflammation. These effects were associated with intrinsic T cell glycosylation. Thus, Gal1 and its glycosylated ligands act to preserve intestinal homeostasis by recalibrating T cell immunity.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Their prevention is based on screening the average risk population (age 50-75, asymptomatic without personal and family history) and the identification of high-risk groups. The vast majority arise from premalignant polyps (adenomas, serrated lesions). Endoscopic polypectomy is effective in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. The adenoma detection rate is the most important quality measure in colonoscopy and is inversely correlated with the risk of interval cancer and mortality. Over the last years, several new technical-quality recommendations and new devices became available to improve polyp’s detection and new post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines have been published. The quality and findings of the baseline colonoscopy will determine surveillance intervals. On the other hand, the newest guidelines from the United States recommend colorectal cancer screenings begin at the age of 45 based on new epidemiological data. However, not all countries followed this recommendation. The purpose of this review is to analyze techniques and devices to improve the adenoma detection rate, new post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines and the age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening. Contextualize data in Argentina and discuss the relevant ongoing research.

No abstract