Glycobiology & Glycochemistry

Glycans in Genetic Disorders

Carbohydrates were prominent in the early history of immunology in defining the identity of antigens recognized by antibodies. Numerous carbohydrate-binding proteins, or lectins, have been identified on the surfaces of immune cells. Interactions of lectins with glycans usually require several monosaccharide moieties presented in the correct conformation for high-affinity binding. Modification of proteins and lipids by glycosylation is a highly regulated process resulting in a diverse repertoire of glycan structures.