C-Type Lectins and Sialyl Lewis X Oligosaccharides

Abstract
Specific expression of unique oligosaccharides strongly suggests that these oligosaccharides may serve as cell surface markers. Indeed, rapid and explosive understanding of the roles of sialyl Lewis X and its variants as cell recognition molecules has been taking place recently. In this mini-review, we would like to focus on the roles of this group of carbohydrates and C-type lectins that recognize those carbohydrates (for other aspects on this subject, see Springer 1994; Butcher and Picker 1996).