Hypersialylation, an aberrant increase in the expression of sialic acid glycans, profoundly impacts tumor cell interactions with their microenvironment. Siglecs, immune receptors that recognize cell surface sialic acids, play a pivotal role in immune surveillance within the tumor microenvironment. Our group has studied the interaction between glycans containing sialic acids (sialoglycans) and Siglec receptors on immune cells, demonstrating that this pathway can be targeted to regulate immune responses and control tumor growth. Leveraging structural biology techniques, including X-ray crystallography, NMR, and molecular dynamics, we have scrutinized the molecular details governing their specificities for sialoglycans1-6. This information offers opportunities for developing novel molecules targeting Siglecs through modified sialic acids. Our research also focuses on uncovering structural insights on anti-Siglec antibodies to refine antibody-based therapies.

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• https://www.cicbiogune.es/people/jereno