Utilization of Galectins by Pathogens for Infection

Galectins are glycan-binding proteins which are expressed by many different cell types and secreted extracellularly. These molecules are well-known regulators of immune responses and involved in a broad range of cellular and pathophysiological functions. During infections, host galectins can either...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Diyoly Ayona, Pierre-Edouard Fournier, Bernard Henrissat, Benoit Desnues
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Immunology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01877/full
Description
Summary:Galectins are glycan-binding proteins which are expressed by many different cell types and secreted extracellularly. These molecules are well-known regulators of immune responses and involved in a broad range of cellular and pathophysiological functions. During infections, host galectins can either avoid or facilitate infections by interacting with host cells- and/or pathogen-derived glycoconjugates and less commonly, with proteins. Some pathogens also express self-produced galectins to interfere with host immune responses. This review summarizes pathogens which take advantage of host- or pathogen-produced galectins to establish the infection.
ISSN:1664-3224