Structure and Function of Mammalian Carbohydrate-Lectin Interactions

Animal lectins: potential receptors for ginseng polysaccharides

“…Although plant and animal lectins do not have homologous primary structures, they have similar preferential binding to carbohydrates [45]. Animal lectins are neither immune origin nor catalyst, in contrast to antibodies or enzymes, and are able to detect or bind complex carbohydrate structures specifically through the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) [46], [47]. Each animal lectin possess its own CRD which has an identical sequence motif of 115 to 130 amino acid residues and four cysteines that is thoroughly conserved and form two disulfide bonds [47], [48].…”

“…Their roles in glycol-recognition systems include complement activation, cell recognition, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell signaling, and morphogenesis. Moreover, animal lectins are able to take part in defense mechanisms, importantly by recognizing a carbohydrate of pathogens [47], [48]. Animal lectins are means of attachment to various cells or viruses via the surface carbohydrate types of the cells to be attached [49].…”

“…These are the C-type (calcium-requiring) lectins, P-type (mannose-6-phosphate binding) lectins, S-type (galectins) lectins, and I-type (immunoglobulin-like) lectins (Fig. 1) [47]. Within each family, they have similar sequences and structural properties [46].…”

The Role of Non-Phagocytic Cells in Mycobacterial Infections

“…C-type lectins include a big family of proteins that bound carbohydrates (Anderson et al, 2008) and can be classified in soluble lectins and lectins associated to the cellular membrane (transmembrane lectins). The relevant soluble C-type lectins for mycobacterial infection are proteins A and D of the pulmonary surfactant (SP-A and SP-D).…”

Macromolecules with Сarbohydrate Residues and Their Application in Glycobiology, Biotechnology and Material Science

“…Furthermore, a compound enclosed in a liposome is protected from exposure to enzymes, which favors the efficiency of agents that are liable to biodestruction in biological fluids. [12] The former problem can be solved by modification of particle surfaces by polymers with flexible hydrophilic chain, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). Target properties are imparted to liposomes by functionalization of their surfaces with various macromolecules, including natural An example of specific transport systems is given by liposomes modified by various carbohydrate residues that serve as a molecular recognition signal for target cells.…”