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Journal article
Galectin-8, cytokines, and the storm
Biochemical Society transactions, Vol.50(1)
11/Jan/2022
PMID: 35015084
Abstract
Galectin-8 (Gal-8) belongs to a family of animal lectins that modulate cell adhesion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Recent studies have shown that mammalian Gal-8 induces in an autocrine and paracrine manner, the expression and secretion of cytokines and chemokines such as RANKL, IL-6, IL-1β, SDF-1, and MCP-1. This involves Gal-8 binding to receptor complexes that include MRC2/uPAR/LRP1, integrins, and CD44. Receptors ligation triggers FAK, ERK, Akt, and the JNK signaling pathways, leading to induction of NF-κB that promotes cytokine expression. Indeed, immune-competent Gal-8 knockout (KO) mice express systemic lower levels of cytokines and chemokines while the opposite is true for Gal-8 transgenic animals. Cytokine and chemokine secretion, induced by Gal-8, promotes the migration of cancer cells toward cells expressing this lectin. Accordingly, Gal-8 KO mice experience reduced tumor size and smaller and fewer metastatic lesions when injected with cancer cells. These observations suggest the existence of a 'vicious cycle' whereby Gal-8 expression and secretion promotes the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that further promote Gal-8 expression. This 'vicious cycle' could enhance the development of a 'cytokine storm' which is a key contributor to the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients.
Details
- Title
- Galectin-8, cytokines, and the storm
- Creators
- Yehiel Zick - 972WIS_INST___122
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Biochemical Society transactions, Vol.50(1); 11/Jan/2022
- Number of pages
- 15
- Language
- English
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20200677
- PMID
- 35015084
- Grant note
- This work was supported by a research grant from Samuil and Petr Polsky Prostate Cancer Research Fund. Insightful discussions with Dr. Sanford Sampson (Bar Ilan University, Israel) and Dr. Eytan Elhanany (Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel) are greatly acknowledged.
- Record Identifier
- 993348463103596
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