6n44

Publication Abstract from PubMed

Galectins are a family of glycan-binding molecules with a characteristic affinity for ss-D-glycosides that mediate a variety of important cellular functions, including immune and inflammatory responses. Galectin-11 (LGALS-11) has been recently identified as a mediator induced specifically in animals against gastrointestinal nematodes and can interfere with parasite growth and development. Here, we report that at least two natural genetic variants of LGALS-11 exist in sheep, and demonstrate fundamental differences in anti-parasitic activity, correlated with their ability to dimerise. This study improves our understanding of the role of galectins in the host immune and inflammatory responses against parasitic nematodes and provides a basis for genetic studies toward selective breeding of animals for resistance to parasites.

The oligomeric assembly of galectin-11 is critical for anti-parasitic activity in sheep (Ovis aries).,Sakthivel D, Preston S, Gasser RB, Costa TPSD, Hernandez JN, Shahine A, Shakif-Azam MD, Lock P, Rossjohn J, Perugini MA, Gonzalez JF, Meeusen E, Piedrafita D, Beddoe T Commun Biol. 2020 Aug 21;3(1):464. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01179-7. PMID:32826940^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.