Volume 1143, Issue 1 p. 61-82

Basic and Clinical Immunology of Siglecs

Stephan Von Gunten

Stephan Von Gunten

Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

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Bruce S. Bochner

Bruce S. Bochner

Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

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First published: 19 November 2008
Citations: 129
Address for correspondence: Bruce S. Bochner, M.D., Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B.71, Baltimore, MD 21224-6821. Voice: +410-550-2101; fax: +410-550-1733. [email protected]

Abstract

Siglecs are cell-surface proteins found primarily on hematopoietic cells. By definition, they are members of the immunoglobulin gene super-family and bind sialic acid. Most contain cytoplasmic tyrosine motifs implicated in cell signaling. This review will first summarize characteristics common and unique to Siglecs, followed by a discussion of each human Siglec in numerical order, mentioning in turn its closest murine ortholog or paralog. Each section will describe its pattern of cellular expression, latest known immune functions, ligands, and signaling pathways, with the focus being predominantly on CD33-related Siglecs. Potential clinical and therapeutic implications of each Siglec will also be covered.