The bulky and the sweet: How neutralizing antibodies and glycan receptors compete for virus binding.

ABSTRACT: Numerous viruses rely on glycan receptor binding as the initial step in host cell infection. Engagement of specific glycan receptors such as sialylated carbohydrates, glycosaminoglycans, or histo-blood group antigens can determine host range, tissue tropism, and pathogenicity. Glycan receptor-binding sites are typically located in exposed regions on viral surfaces-sites that are also generally prone to binding of neutralizing antibodies that directly interfere with virus-glycan receptor interactions. In this review, we examine the locations and architecture of the glycan- and antibody-binding sites in four different viruses with stalk-like attachment proteins (reovirus, influenza virus, norovirus, and coronavirus) and investigate the mechanisms by which antibodies block glycan recognition.

SUBMITTER: Dietrich MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5699497 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature