Core 2 oligosaccharide biosynthesis distinguishes between selectin ligandsessential for leukocyte homing and inflammation

Mammalian serine/threonine-linked oligosaccharides (O-glycans) are commonly synthesized with the Golgi enzyme core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltran sferase (C2 GlcNAcT). Core 2 O-glycans have been hypothesized to be essenti al for mucin production and selectin ligand biosynthesis. We report that mi ce lacking C2 GlcNAcT exhibit a restricted phenotype with neutrophilia and a partial deficiency of selectin ligands. Loss of core 2 oligosaccharides r educes neutrophil rolling on substrata bearing E-, L-, and P-selectins and neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation. However, the diminished pr esence of L-selectin ligands on lymph node high endothelial venules does no t affect lymphocyte homing. These studies indicate that core 2 oligosacchar ide biosynthesis segregates the physiologic roles of selectins and reveal a function for the C2 GlcNAcT in myeloid homeostasis and inflammation.