Crystal and molecular structure of a histo-blood group antigen involved in cell adhesion: the Lewis x trisaccharide

Abstract

This work describes the first crystal structure ever reported of a histo-blood group carbohydrate antigen: Le^x. This study provides a detailed description of the conformation of two crystallographic independent molecules in a highly hydrated environment along with their hydrogen bonding properties and packing features. Some interactions observed between adjacent trisaccharides can provide the basis for involvement of Le^x-Le^x interactions in cellcell adhesion.