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Re‐wiring regulatory cell networks in immunity by galectin–glycan interactions
Author(s) -
Blidner Ada G.,
Méndez-Huergo Santiago P.,
Cagi Alejandro J.,
Rabinovich Gabriel A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.08.037
Subject(s) - galectin , immune system , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , galectin 1 , myeloid , glycan , regulatory t cell , cell fate determination , dendritic cell , function (biology) , inflammation , cellular differentiation , cell , immunology , t cell , transcription factor , gene , genetics , glycoprotein , il 2 receptor
Programs that control immune cell homeostasis are orchestrated through the coordinated action of a number of regulatory cell populations, including regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, alternatively‐activated macrophages and tolerogenic dendritic cells. These regulatory cell populations can prevent harmful inflammation following completion of protective responses and thwart the development of autoimmune pathology. However, they also have a detrimental role in cancer by favoring escape from immune surveillance. One of the hallmarks of regulatory cells is their remarkable plasticity as they can be positively or negatively modulated by a plethora of cytokines, growth factors and co‐stimulatory signals that tailor their differentiation, stability and survival. Here we focus on the emerging roles of galectins, a family of highly conserved glycan‐binding proteins in regulating the fate and function of regulatory immune cell populations, both of lymphoid and myeloid origins. Given the broad distribution of circulating and tissue‐specific galectins, understanding the relevance of lectin–glycan interactions in shaping regulatory cell compartments will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating their function in a broad range of immunological disorders.