Exploring the fascinating world of sialoglycans in the interplay with Siglecs

The great relevance of glycans is observable by their molecular and structural heterogeneity that translates into a multiplicity of biological processes which they are involved in. Understanding the role of glycans and glycosylation in immunity is critical to comprehend the etiology and the progression of relevant immune diseases. Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins) group a broad range of cell surface immunomodulatory receptors that selectively recognize sialylated glycans, acting as regulators of immune system triggering tolerogenic or immunogenic responses. Here, we provide an overview of the interplay occurring between Siglecs and endogenous as well as exogenous pathogen-derived sialylated glycans, with the final aim of demonstrating the importance of Siglecs–sialoglycan axis in the therapeutic treatment of human diseases.