What's Happening?
Researchers have discovered a new role for immune cell surface sugars in driving inflammation in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The study, published in Science Signaling, reveals that immune cells possess a glycocalyx, a sugar layer that they
shed to move from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues during inflammation. This finding challenges previous assumptions that only blood vessel cells modified their glycocalyx to allow immune cells to pass through. The shedding of the glycocalyx is crucial for immune cells to reach tissues and fight infections, but it can also lead to excessive immune cell accumulation, contributing to diseases like psoriasis. The research was led by Dr. Amy Saunders of Lancaster University and Dr. Douglas Dyer of the University of Manchester, with contributions from Dr. Megan Priestley, now at MIT.
Why It's Important?
This discovery could significantly impact the treatment of inflammatory diseases by altering the approach to drug development. Understanding the role of the glycocalyx in immune cell movement opens new avenues for designing drugs that can modulate this process, potentially reducing inflammation and improving outcomes for patients with psoriasis and similar conditions. The research highlights the importance of sugars in the immune system, which could lead to more targeted therapies that minimize side effects and enhance treatment efficacy.
