In a significant milestone for scientific exploration, the Immunology, Cancer & GlycoMedicine group from i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde is proud to announce the publication of their research in the esteemed Cellular & Molecular Immunology journal. This study, conducted by Manuel Vicente under the supervision of Salomé S. Pinho and in collaboration with Gabriel Rabinovich, Sarina Ravens, and other brilliant minds, unveils the pivotal role of glycans in T-cell development and their profound impact on susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.
Glycans, the sugars that coat most cells and tissues, have long been a subject of intrigue in the world of immunology. This research, titled “Mannosylated glycans impair normal T-cell development by reprogramming commitment and repertoire diversity,” delves into the intricate relationship between glycans and T-cell development.
This paradigm-shifting study showcases how mannosylated glycans can disrupt the normal trajectory of T-cell development, thereby reprogramming their commitment and altering the diversity of the T-cell repertoire. T-cells play a pivotal role in the immune system, and any deviation from their normal development can have profound consequences.
The findings of this research have far-reaching implications, particularly in the context of inflammatory diseases. Understanding how glycans influence T-cell development provides a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding susceptibility to conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
For more details, the full paper can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41423-023-01052-7.
