Molecular Recognition Insights of Sialic Acid Glycans by Distinct Receptors Unveiled by NMR and Molecular Modeling.

ABSTRACT: All cells are decorated with a highly dense and complex structure of glycan chains, which are mostly attached to proteins and lipids. In this context, sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon acidic monosaccharides typically found at the terminal position of glycan chains, modulating several physiological and pathological processes. Sialic acids have many structural and modulatory roles due to their negative charge and hydrophilicity. In addition, the recognition of sialic acid glycans by mammalian cell lectins, such as siglecs, has been described as an important immunological checkpoint. Furthermore, sialic acid glycans also play a pivotal role in host-pathogen interactions. Various pathogen receptors exposed on the surface of viruses and bacteria are responsible for the binding to sialic

SUBMITTER: Soares CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8634706 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature