Frontiers in Immunology (May 2019)

Pregnancy Galectinology: Insights Into a Complex Network of Glycan Binding Proteins

  • Sandra M. Blois,
  • Sandra M. Blois,
  • Gabriela Dveksler,
  • Gerardo R. Vasta,
  • Nancy Freitag,
  • Véronique Blanchard,
  • Gabriela Barrientos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01166
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, consisting of 15 different types, each with a specific function. Galectins contribute to placentation by regulating trophoblast development, migration, and invasion during early pregnancy. In addition, galectins are critical players regulating maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. Recently, the role of galectins in angiogenesis during decidualization and in placenta formation has gained attention. Altered expression of galectins is associated with abnormal pregnancies and infertility. This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.

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