Utilization of Galectins by Pathogens for Infection

• 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: galectin; infection; immune responses; bacteria; virus
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01877/full

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.