Glycoconjugates: Advances in modern medicines and human health

Life Sci. 2024 Jul 1:348:122689. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122689. Epub 2024 May 4.

Abstract

Glycans and their glycoconjugates are complex biomolecules that are crucial for various biological processes. Glycoconjugates are found in all domains of life. They are covalently linked to key biomolecules such as proteins and lipids to play a pivotal role in cell signaling, adhesion, and recognition. The diversity of glycan structures and the associated complexity of glycoconjugates is the reason for their role in intricate biosynthetic pathways. Glycoconjugates play an important role in various diseases where they are actively involved in the immune response as well as in the pathogenicity of infectious diseases. In addition, various autoimmune diseases have been linked to glycosylation defects of different biomolecules, making them an important molecule in the field of medicine. The glycoconjugates have been explored for the development of therapeutics and vaccines, representing a breakthrough in medical science. They also hold significance in research studies to understand the mechanisms behind various biological processes. Finally, glycoconjugates have found an emerging role in various industrial and environmental applications which have been discussed here.

Keywords: Anticancer; Carbohydrates; Immune system; Targeted delivery; Therapeutics; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glycoconjugates* / chemistry
  • Glycoconjugates* / metabolism
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism
  • Vaccines