Authors:
Sherry A. Hudson, Nicolai V. Bovin, Ronald L. Schnaar, Paul R. Crocker and Bruce S. Bochner
Summary:
The lectin Siglec-8 (sialic acid-binding, immunoglobulin-like lectin), which is selectively expressed on eosinophil surfaces and regulates eosinophil survival, preferentially binds to the glycan 6′-sulfo-sialyl Lewis X (6′-sulfo-sLex). Antibody engagement of Siglec-8 on eosinophils causes their apoptosis, suggesting that engagement of Siglec-8 with its natural glycan ligands in vivo may control allergic inflammation. We report that a soluble synthetic polymer displaying 6′-sulfo-sLex glycan selectively binds to human eosinophils and human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing Siglec-8. Binding was inhibited by anti-Siglec-8 antibody. In whole blood, eosinophils were the only leukocyte subtype to detectably bind polymeric 6′-sulfo-sLex. Interleukin-5-primed eosinophils underwent apoptosis when incubated with either anti-Siglec-8 monoclonal antibody or polymeric 6′-sulfo-sLex, although the glycan polymer was less effective. These data demonstrate that a soluble, multivalent glycan selectively binds to human eosinophils and induces their apoptosis in vitro and provide proof-of-concept that such a reagent could be used to selectively target eosinophils.
Source:
Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Vol. 330, No. 2, 608-612 (08/09)