Modifications of Glycans and Glycoconjugates

Lipopolysaccharide and the gut microbiota: considering structural variation

“…Consequently, LPS is generally thought of as a potent stimulant of host immune response and thus a promoter of proinflammatory cytokine secretion. However, this response appears to be dependent on the microorganism (i.e., commensal or pathogenic) from which LPS originates and, consequently, on the LPS structure [19]. For example, LPS derived from Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) induces an increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1B, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), much higher than Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa )‐derived LPS, which also stimulates cytokine production, and that of chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) via toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) [20].…”

Modifications of Glycans: Biological Significance and Therapeutic Opportunities

“…Like other biopolymers, biological functions of carbohydrates can be modulated by modifying specific sites within an oligosaccharide/polysaccharide chain. Modifications can involve a variety of functional groups but most often entail derivatization of hydroxyls or amino groups, such as acylation, sulfation, methylation, and phosphorylation (for representative examples, see Figure ). − As a result, significant efforts are underway to identify carbohydrate modifications and link them with specific biological functions. Insights into the biosynthesis and functions of modified glycans should translate into new therapies for infectious, inflammatory, malignant, and degenerative diseases (Figure ).…”