Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs)

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are complex carbohydrate structures expressed on the surface of red blood cells and various epithelial tissues, most notably on intestinal enterocytes and within the mucus secreted by goblet cells [1][2]. These glycans are synthesized by a series of glycosyltransferases encoded by the ABO, Lewis (FUT3), and Secretor (FUT2) gene families [3]. In the gastrointestinal tract, HBGAs serve as critical attachment factors or receptors for a wide range of enteric pathogens, including Noroviruses, Rotaviruses, and Helicobacter pylori, facilitating their entry and infection of host cells [1][4]. The specific profile of HBGAs expressed by an individual, such as their 'Secretor status,' significantly influences their susceptibility or resistance to these infections [5]. From a therapeutic perspective, HBGAs are targeted through the use of decoy molecules like human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which mimic these antigens to competitively inhibit pathogen binding [6]. Additionally, enzymatic modification of these glycans or the use of probiotics that interact with HBGA-binding sites are explored as strategies to prevent or treat gastrointestinal infections [2][4]. Sources: [1] Tan M, Jiang X. Histo-blood group antigens: a common niche for norovirus and rotavirus. Expert Rev Mol Med. 2014;16:e5. [2] Marionneau S, et al. ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens, a model for protein-carbohydrate interactions. Biochimie. 2001;83(6):565-573. [3] Cooling L. Blood Groups in Infection and Host Susceptibility. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(3):801-870. [4] Ruvoën-Clouet N, et al. Histo-blood group antigen recognition of lectins from enteric pathogens. Glycoconj J. 2015;32(3-4):147-157. [5] Nordgren J, Estes MK. Low-dose rotavirus infection in adults. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2014;27(5):468-474. [6] Bode L. Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama. Glycobiology. 2012;22(9):1147-1162.

Other names

ABO blood group antigensLewis antigensSecretor antigensBlood group carbohydratesFUT2-dependent antigens

Competitive inhibition of pathogen binding by acting as decoy receptors or enzymatic modification of host cell surface glycans to prevent viral/bacterial attachment.