DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF LIGANDS AND ANTAGONISTS OF SIGLECS AS IMMUNE RESPONSE MODIFIERS

Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins) are the best characterized immunoglobulin (Ig)-type lectin and are important immune receptors expressed widely in mammals. Members of the siglec family are expressed on cells of the immune system, exhibiting roles in cell signaling and cell adhesion that are modulated by interaction with their sialic acid-containing glycan ligands. The restricted expression pattern and activity as endocytic receptors made these proteins as attractive molecular targets for directed therapy for immune cell-mediated diseases. This chapter examines siglec recognition and development of high-affinity ligands, in particular, for CD22 with their roles in immune regulation. It focuses on the development of high-affinity and selective ligand for sialoadhesin and CD22 as models for the siglec family. Such ligands may provide a pathway for immunoglycotherapy strategies for autoimmune diseases and B-cell-derived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.