Lewis X antigen is a carbohydrate molecule that plays a significant role in cell recognition and adhesion processes, particularly within the immune system. It belongs to the class of Lewis antigens, which are specific carbohydrate structures found on the surface of cells and tissues.
The Lewis X antigen is composed of a core pentasaccharide structure, consisting of two N-acetylglucosamine residues, a fucose, and a galactose, with an additional fucose branch. Its chemical structure determines its antigenic properties and enables it to participate in various biological interactions.
In the human body, the Lewis X antigen is primarily found on the surface of certain blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. It also appears in the mucous membranes of various tissues and organs, as well as in certain cancers.
The Lewis X antigen is involved in numerous physiological processes, such as cell-cell recognition, cell adhesion, and immune responses. It serves as a ligand for selectins, a group of cell adhesion molecules that mediate interactions between cells and facilitate vital cellular processes like inflammation, immune surveillance, and tissue repair.
Understanding the function and expression of the Lewis X antigen is important in the field of immunology and cell biology, as it contributes to our understanding of immune responses, cancer metastasis, and other diseases associated with abnormal cell adhesion and recognition.
