Figure 1.

Possible effects of systemic (sCS) and inhaled corticosteroids (iCS) on immune functions via sialoglycan-Siglec checkpoint. The administration of sCS and/or iCS modulates the expression and activity of sialyltransferases (ST) and neuroaminidases (Neu) that result in changes of cell surface sialylation pattern. Depending on inhibitory and activatory Siglec expression in individuals, the binding of specific sialic acid ligands exerts the immune response of different intensity in selected pathological stages.