Glycosylation analysis of immune-related molecules

Borosak, I. (2024)

Doctoral Thesis

The thesis provides a detailed look at glycosylation, the modification of proteins with complex sugar molecules, in the context of immune molecules. Firstly, it explores how glycans, complex sugars, on specific immune molecules 'antibodies' and clinical features are interconnected. By utilizing advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for glycan analysis, the research identified unique glycan patterns on antibodies from two distinct population studies.
The first population study involved individuals who had undergone splenectomy, examining the role of the spleen in antibody glycosylation. The second study investigated the potential of antibody glycosylation as a prognostic marker for relapse prediction in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
In subsequent chapters, these analytical techniques were also applied to other proteins, such as receptors for these antibodies, and even matrices, such as semen, to reveal their glycosylation patterns.
In general, the thesis underscores the importance of developing methods to thoroughly study protein glycosylation. Understanding these processes can aid in identifying new clinical markers for early disease detection, improving the design of biopharmaceuticals for better treatments, and deepening knowledge of immune-related processes in both health and disease.

• Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis
• Fc gamma receptor III
• Fucosylation
• Glycopeptides
• Glycosylation
• Immunoglobulin G
• Mass spectrometry
• N-glycans
• Seminal plasma
• Splenectomy

• All authors: Borosak, I.
• Supervisor: Wuhrer, M.; Lauc, G.
• Co-supervisor: Falck, D.
• Committee: Trouw, L.A.; Suurmond, J.; Lefeber, D.J.; Reiding, K.R.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2024-10-01
• ISBN (print): 9789465101064