AUTHOR=Giovannone Nicholas , Smith Logan K. , Treanor Bebhinn , Dimitroff Charles J. TITLE=Galectin-Glycan Interactions as Regulators of B Cell Immunity JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=9 YEAR=2018 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02839 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2018.02839 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=

Cell surface glycans and their glycan-binding partners (lectins) have generally been recognized as adhesive assemblies with neighbor cells or matrix scaffolds in organs and the blood stream. However, our understanding of the roles for glycan-lectin interactions in immunity has expanded substantially to include regulation of nearly every stage of an immune response, from pathogen sensing to immune contraction. In this Mini-Review, we discuss the role of the ß-galactoside-binding lectins known as galectins specifically in the regulation of B-lymphocyte (B cell) development, activation, and differentiation. In particular, we highlight several recent studies revealing new roles for galectin (Gal)-9 in the modulation of B cell receptor-mediated signaling and activation in mouse and man. The roles for cell surface glycosylation, especially I-branching of N-glycans synthesized by the glycosyltransferase GCNT2, in the regulation of Gal-9 binding activity are also detailed. Finally, we consider how dysregulation of these factors may contribute to aberrant immune activation and autoimmune disease.