Synthetic ligands point to cell surface strategies

Protein shedding, the proteolytic release of a cell surface protein, can serve a regulatory role by liberating soluble molecules into circulation while decreasing their concentration on the cell surface1. We have created a new class of multivalent ligands, ‘neoglycopolymers’, which are designed to promote the proteolytic cleavage of a cell adhesion molecule involved in the inflammatory response, L-selectin2. These synthetic ligands induce the release of the extracellular portion of L-selectin by appropriating an endogenous protease; such activities suggest new strategies to generate anti-inflammatory agents and regulate the cell surface.