HealthAugust 7, 2026

glycocalyx

GLY-koh-kay-liks

Definition

A dense, sugar-rich surface layer consisting of glycoproteins and glycolipids that coats the exterior of animal cells.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'glykys' meaning 'sweet' and 'kalyx' meaning 'husk' or 'covering', referring to its composition as a sugar-containing shell surrounding the cell.

In the news

In the article, tumor cells are shown to remodel and thicken their glycocalyx, creating a physical barrier that helps them evade detection by the immune system.

Revealing How Cancer Cells Evade the Immune System

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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