Ganglioside GM1-binding sites in Interleukin-4: A photoaffinity labeling study

Gangliosides, universal components of eukaryotic cell membranes, have important regulatory functions, being involved in cell recognition, ligand-receptor interactions, cell adhesion, and cell growth control [1]. However, in some pathological processes, they may have harmful functions. It is known that gangliosides are released from the surface of rapidly dividing tumor cells, such as neuroblastoma, melanoma, lymphoma, mammary carcinoma, hepatoma, etc. [2]. Some gangliosides, such as GM2 and GD2, are clinical markers of tumors. The shedded gangliosides appear in the bloodstream, affect the immune system cells, and suppress proliferation of T-lymphocytes.