Overview
Glycans are sugar molecules which form a crucial part of the body's immune system, playing a vital role in the recognition and response to infection. Glycans are molecular recognition structures which help to identify and fight off invading bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. They are present on the surface of all cells in the body, and interact with other cells through the formation of specific molecular structures known as glycan-protein interactions. This helps to activate the immune system's response to a foreign invader and prevents it from causing a serious infection. Glycans also play a role in regulating inflammation, acting as signal molecules that tell other cells to respond to a threat. As such, glycans are important components of the body's defense against infection, helping to keep us healthy and safe.