Expression of phosphocholine-modified and unsubstituted C. elegans paucimannosidic glycans is reportedly development stage-specific, implying important roles in nematodal development. In support, C. elegans hex-2 gene knock-out mutants displayed reduced paucimannosidic protein levels and altered sensitivity towards nematotoxic lectins relative to wild-type worms, a correlation suggesting involvement of paucimannosidic proteins in key C. elegans survival processes. Functionally, phosphocholine-containing paucimannosidic glycans were demonstrated to display immune-modulating roles in parasitic nematodes. Paucimannosidic glycans were suggested to play roles in the nematodal innate immune system by impacting the nematode's ability to fight and survive pathogenic bacteria