Siglec and anti-Siglec therapies

Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2021 Jun:62:34-42. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.01.001. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Abstract

Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins) are a family of receptors that bind sialic acids in specific linkages on glycoproteins and glycolipids. Siglecs play roles in immune signalling and exhibit cell-type specific expression and endocytic properties. Recent studies suggest that Siglecs are likely to function as immune checkpoints that regulate responses in cancers and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss strategies to target the Siglec-sialic acid axis in human diseases, particularly cancer, and the possibility of exploiting them for therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Cancer; Immune checkpoint; Inflammation; Sialic acid; Siglec.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / immunology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Glycolipids / chemistry
  • Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Sialic Acid Binding Immunoglobulin-like Lectins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Sialic Acid Binding Immunoglobulin-like Lectins / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Glycolipids
  • Glycoproteins
  • Sialic Acid Binding Immunoglobulin-like Lectins
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid