Histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) (HBGA)

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are a complex group of polymorphic, fucose-containing carbohydrates expressed on the surfaces of red blood cells and various mucosal epithelial cells, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract [1, 7, 12]. These antigens, including the ABO, Secretor, and Lewis families, are synthesized by specific glycosyltransferases and play significant roles in cell-cell recognition, immune system modulation, and signaling [7, 12, 18]. Clinically, HBGAs are critical attachment factors and receptors for several major human pathogens, including noroviruses, rotaviruses, and Helicobacter pylori [1, 3, 14]. The specific binding of these pathogens to HBGA motifs determines host susceptibility and influences the epidemiology of enteric infections, with 'non-secretor' individuals often exhibiting resistance to certain strains [7, 10, 18]. Consequently, HBGAs are high-priority targets for the development of novel antivirals and entry inhibitors, such as carbohydrate mimics like human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), competitive small molecules, and nanobodies designed to block the pathogen-HBGA interface [5, 6, 8, 11]. Additionally, certain HBGA phenotypes are associated with varying risks for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, highlighting their broad involvement in human pathology [12, 16].

Other names

ABO blood group antigensLewis antigensSecretor antigensABH antigensBlood group substancesH antigens

Competitive inhibition of pathogen attachment and receptor mimicry to prevent viral or bacterial docking to host cells