High glycans

Fig. 15.4 Structure of glycans N-linked to IgG molecules expressed in hybridomas and transgenic plants. Glycans N-linked to plant-derived antibodies are structurally different from their mammalian counterparts. In contrast with antibodies produced in alfalfa, antibodies produced in tobacco plants present a very high glycan heterogeneity.

Exhibit high content of O-glycan chains, usually containing NeuAc. 

Some of the multibranched complex glycans of hen ovomucoid have been analyzed by f.a.b.-m.s. together with e.i.-m.s. These glycans exhibit exceptional structural features, because their mannotriose core can be highly substituted, as shown in 25. All samples gave abundant [M+Na]" ions when analyzed as their permethylated alditols, and this permitted the... 

Bannert N, Craig S, Farzan M, et al. Sialylated O-glycans and sulfated tyrosines in the NH2-terminal domain of CC chemokine receptor 5 contribute to high affinity binding of chemokines. J Exp Med 2001 194(11) 1661-1673. 

Parasitism by T. spiralis has been a subject of scientific interest for over 150 years. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the parasite by immunologists interested in immunity to nematodes in general, and mucosal immunity in particular. It has been shown that glycan-specific antibodies are highly effective mediators of host defence against intestinal 7. spiralis infection. Protective monoclonal antibodies have been used to elucidate mechanisms of worm expulsion, as well as to identify molecules that the parasite uses to create its niche. In the future, detailed characterization of these molecules and their functions should afford additional insights into parasitism by Trichinella spiralis, and possibly also by other types of pathogen. 

Fig. 15.1. The A/-glycan biosynthetic pathway, illustrating how the three classes of A/-glycans (high mannose, hybrid and complex glycans) are derived from a common biosynthetic precursor. The trimannosyl-chitobiose core, which is common to all A/-glycans, is outlined on the precursor A/-glycan. Glc, o Man, GIcNAc.

A fourth family of A-glycans are referred to as hybrid glycans. These glycans share structural features of the high mannose and complex-type families. They usually retain two mannoses on the 6-arm of the trimannosyl core whilst complex-type antennae are elaborated on the 3-arm. Hybrid structures are frequentiy bisected and may also be core fucosylated (Fig. 15.1). It should be noted that whilst core fucosylation is common in complex-type, hybrid and truncated glycans, it is rarely found in high mannose glycans. 

Alfalfa, clover High yield, useful for animal vaccines, clonal propagation, homogenous N-glycans (alfalfa) Low protein stability in harvested material, presence of oxalic acid... 

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