Immobilized glycoconjugates for cell recognition studies

Specific cell-cell recognition and adhesion may involve cell surface glycoconjugates on one cell binding the complementary carbohydrate receptors on an apposing cell surface. Such interactions have been modeled by immobilizing simple synthetic glycosides, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and glycolipids on otherwise inert plastic surfaces and incubating them with intact cells. Using this approach, the ability of several cell types to recognize specific carbohydrates has been demonstrated. This carbohydrate-directed cell adhesion may depend on cell surface carbohydrate receptors which mediate both the initial specific adhesion and complex postrecognition cellular responses. While the relationship of the cell adhesion demonstrated here to cell-cell recognition in vivo has yet to be determined, this well-controlled biochemical approach may reveal new information on the way in which cells analyze and respond to their immediate external environment.