Compositions and methods for modifying cell surface glycans

A method of administering a population of modified cells comprising fucosylated CD44 structures that bind E-selectin to a subject comprising the steps of:

• (1) contacting a population of α(2,3)-sialylated CD44-expressing cells in vitro with a purified α-1,3-fucosyltransferase in a physiologically acceptable solution comprising a fucose donor without the input of divalent metal co-factors, thereby forming the population of modified cells comprising fucosylated CD44 structures that bind E-selectin, wherein the purified α-1,3-fucosyltransferase is capable of transferring 1.0 μmole of fucose to an acceptor per minute at pH 6.5 at 37° C. in a physiologically acceptable solution comprising a fucose donor, and wherein the population of modified cells has a viability of at least 70% at 24 hours after the contacting with the α-1,3-fucosyltransferase;
• and
• (2) administering the population of modified cells to the subject.