The research in our laboratory is focussed on glycan-dependent functions of the immune system.  Glyco-immunology is an important but relatively understudied component of immune system function.  Part of the reason for this relates to the sheer complexity of glycosylation as a post-translational modification of proteins and lipids that can result in literally thousands of different biological structures on mammalian cell surfaces and secreted macromolecules.  Similary, for potential pathogens there is an enormous diversity of glyco-structures and many of these are known to be crucial recognition determinants for the immune system. 

 

In our lab we attempt to simplify this complexity by focussing on receptors of the immune system that recognise glycan structures.  Such receptors can interact with 'self' glycans and modulate immune function, and also interact with pathogen (non-self) glycans.  Our major focus is on the SIGLEC family of sialic acid binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (see Figure above).