Cell-surface glycans and entry receptors

Cell-surface glycans and entry receptors constitute the complex molecular landscape on the plasma membrane that pathogens exploit for attachment and internalization. Glycans, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sialic acids, often serve as initial attachment factors that concentrate pathogens on the cell surface (Maginnis, 2018, Journal of Molecular Biology). Entry receptors are specific proteins or lipids that trigger conformational changes in viral proteins or induce endocytosis to facilitate genome delivery (Marsh & Helenius, 2006, Cell). These molecules are critical in determining tissue tropism and host range for a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, and toxins (Baron et al., 2013, Medical Microbiology). Therapeutic strategies targeting these components include entry inhibitors, which block the initial interaction, and glycan-modifying enzymes that alter the cell surface to prevent pathogen recognition (Varki et al., 2015, Essentials of Glycobiology). For example, drugs like Maraviroc target the CCR5 co-receptor to prevent HIV entry, while Heparin-like molecules can compete for viral binding to heparan sulfate (Varki et al., 2015, Essentials of Glycobiology). While effective for preventing infection, targeting these host factors can sometimes lead to toxicity due to their essential roles in endogenous signaling and cellular homeostasis (Sieben et al., 2012, Physiological Reviews). Understanding the specific glycan-protein interactions is vital for developing narrow-spectrum anti-infectives that minimize disruption to the host's normal physiological processes.

Other names

GlycocalyxViral attachment factorsHost cell entry receptorsPathogen receptorsCell surface carbohydrates

Inhibition of pathogen entry by blocking the interaction between microbial attachment proteins and host cell-surface glycans or proteinaceous receptors.