STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF GLYCOLIPIDS OF NORMAL AND LEUKEMIC LYMPHOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure and function of glycolipids of normal and leukemic lymphocytes. The chemical structure of the molecules forming the plasma membrane of lymphocytes inevitably intrigues both the immunologist and the cellular physiologist apart from the biochemist. Glycolipids plays an important role in determining cell surface properties and behavior of the lymphocyte. Antibodies to certain gangliosides induce mitogenic stimulation and cap formation, whereas gangliosides themselves supress the lectin or bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of lymphocytes. On the other hand, cholera toxin also modulates lymphocyte response. Some ganglioside species completely blocks the cytotoxicity of antisera to antigens expressed by thymus-derived lymphocytes and brain. Glycolipids are regarded as specific markers of T cell subsets, particularly natural killer cells that have the specific ability to attack a variety of tumors without previous sensitization. These are also implied to be the receptors of lymphocyte mediators of cellular immunity.