Carbohydrate clearance receptors in transfusion medicine

► Complex carbohydrates influence the circulatory half-life of proteins and cells. ► Lectin-receptors participate in clearance of glycosylated blood components. ► Glycosylation of transfused cold-stored platelets improves circulation time. ► Glycoengineering of recombinant biologics improve therapeutic effects. ► Understanding lectin-mediated clearance underlies biopharmaceutical progress.