The influence of cytokines on the glycosylation pattern of alpha-l-acid glycoprotein secreted by the HepC2 cell line

Alpha-I-acid glycoprotein (ACP) is a positive acute phase protein which exists as an heterogeneous populationn of glycosylated variants (glycoforms). A clearly defined function for ACP remains largely unknown however several studies have
demonstrated immunomodulatory properties. The ACP glycoforms associated
with chronic inflammation have an increased number o f tri- or tetra- antennary structures to the detriment o f bi-antennary chains, and are more effective at immunomodulation.