Targeting sialic acid–Siglec interactions to reverse immune suppression in cancer

OJ Adams, MA Stanczak, S von Gunten, H Läubli - Glycobiology, 2018 - academic.oup.com
OJ Adams, MA Stanczak, S von Gunten, H Läubli
Glycobiology, 2018academic.oup.com
Abstract Changes in sialic acids in cancer have been observed for many years. In particular,
the increase of sialoglycan density or hypersialylation in tumors has been described. Recent
studies have identified mechanisms for immune evasion based on sialoglycan interactions
with immunoregulatory Siglec receptors that are exploited by tumor cells and
microorganisms alike. Siglecs are mostly inhibitory receptors similar to known immune
checkpoints including PD-1 or CTLA-4 that are successfully targeted with blocking …
Abstract
Changes in sialic acids in cancer have been observed for many years. In particular, the increase of sialoglycan density or hypersialylation in tumors has been described. Recent studies have identified mechanisms for immune evasion based on sialoglycan interactions with immunoregulatory Siglec receptors that are exploited by tumor cells and microorganisms alike. Siglecs are mostly inhibitory receptors similar to known immune checkpoints including PD-1 or CTLA-4 that are successfully targeted with blocking antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the known changes of sialic acids in cancer and the role Siglec receptors play in cancer immunity. We also focus on potential ways to target these Siglec receptors or sialoglycans in order to improve anti-cancer immunity.
Oxford University Press