Roles of core fucosylation modification in immune system and diseases

Abstract

Core fucosylation, catalyzed by α1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8), is an important N-glycosylation modification process that attaches a fucose residue via an α1,6-linkage to the core N-acetylglucosamine of N-glycans in mammals. Research over the past three decades has revealed the critical role of FUT8-mediated core fucosylation modification in various physiological and pathological processes, including cell growth, adhesion, receptor activation, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), tumor metastasis and infections. This review discusses the immune system function involving FUT8 and the mechanisms by which core fucosylation regulates immunity and contributes to disease. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can provide insights into cellular biology and suggest new therapeutic approaches and targets for related diseases.