Sialic Acid-Binding Lectins as Potential Pathophysiological Targets in Treatment of Chronic Bronchopulmonary Diseases (Review)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of finding the pathophysiological targets for optimizing the treatment of common and socially significant chronic respiratory diseases-bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms determines the nature of inflammation in these diseases. Among the regulators of inflammation there are siglecs-sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins able to interact with terminal sialic acid present in all cells. Siglecs are involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and implementing cell-cell interactions. The key role in modulating the regulatory activity of siglecs is in their ability to interact with ligands. Although research on the structure and biological functions of siglecs in the body has only recently started, the prospects for this research are promising, especially with respect to BA and COPD treatment. Siglecs are mainly expressed by immune and peripheral blood cells. Pathophysiological mechanisms of BA and COPD are implemented with participation of eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. The siglecs expressed on them play a particular role in the severity of tissue damage caused by the influence of these cells and therefore can be attractive targets for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs. Siglec-8 and Siglec-10 molecules expressed on eosinophils have been actively studied in BA pathogenesis. However, given the importance of not only eosinophils, but also other cells in the disease pathogenesis, it seems challenging to investigate the role of Siglec-3, Siglec-5, Siglec-6, and Siglec-14 expressed on mast cells and basophils. In recent years, the role of Siglec-3, Siglec-9, and Siglec-5/14 has been studied in the pathogenesis of COPD. The use of antibodies against Siglec-15 described recently may be relevant in treatment of osteoporosis often associated with COPD. Based on scientific literature data, this article reviews the role of siglecs as possible regulators of inflammation in patients with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases.