Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Globotriaosylceramide: From Shiga toxin toxicity to therapeutic agent to B cell development

Global Congress on Biochemistry, Glycomics & Amino Acids

December 08-09, 2016 San Antonio, USA

Mark Maloney

Spelman College, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Biochem Anal Biochem

Abstract:

Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) has been well-characterized in the etiology of hemolytic uremic syndrome due to its interaction with Shiga toxin (STX) as the most common toxin receptor on human cells. This research has had led to the development of therapeutic applications extending beyond the area of bacterial pathogenesis and has implications, as well, for research into basic cellular glycolsphingolipid functions. Translational research includes use of STX for treatment of several types of Gb3-positive cancers. Additionally, artificial Gb3-related glycol-conjugates have potential therapeutic uses in preventing HIV infection. This STX-based research has also led to advances in our understanding of the role of Gb3 in adaptive immunity. Germinal center stage B cells are often defined, in part, by their expression of Gb3 (aka CD77). Burkitt�??s lymphoma cells are often used as in vitro models for studies of germinal center B cell functions. Using these cells as models, roles for Gb3 have been identified in interferon type I signal transduction and CD19-mediated adhesion mechanisms and a potential Gb3-binding site on the extracellular region of CD19 has been identified. Additional roles for Gb3 in MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation and in apoptosis-related signal transduction pathways are further implicated by research in this area. Evidence regarding the importance of Gb3 in B cell development has progressed far beyond the use of Gb3 as a simple marker for germinal center stages.

Biography :

Email: mmaloney@spelman.edu