Innate immune Galectin-7 specifically targets microbes that decorate themselves in blood group-like antigens
Shang‐Chuen Wu, Nourine A. Kamili, Marcelo Dias‐Baruffi, Cassandra D. Josephson, Matthew F. Rathgeber, Melissa Y. Yeung, William J. Lane, Jianmei Wang, Hau-Ming Jan, Seth Rakoff-Nahoum, Richard D. Cummings, Sean R. Stowell, Connie M. Arthur
Abstract
, results in loss of microbial viability. Although Gal-7 also binds red blood cells (RBCs), this interaction does not alter RBC membrane integrity. These results demonstrate that Gal-7 recognizes a diverse range of microbes, each of which use molecular mimicry while failing to induce host cell injury, and thus may provide an innate form of immunity against molecular mimicry.
Topics & Concepts
Innate immune systemImmune systemGalectinAntigenImmunologyBiologyChemistryGalectins and Cancer BiologySignaling Pathways in DiseaseParasitic Infections and Diagnostics