Host sialic acid-containing glycan receptors (SA-glycans)

Host sialic acid-containing glycan receptors are complex carbohydrate structures located on the terminal ends of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the surface of vertebrate cells. These glycans, primarily composed of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), serve as critical mediators for various physiological processes, including cell-cell adhesion, immune system regulation, and signal transduction. However, they are also frequently exploited by a wide range of pathogens, such as influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, and certain bacteria, as primary attachment points for host cell entry. The specific linkage of the sialic acid (e.g., α2,3 or α2,6) is a major determinant of host range and tissue tropism, particularly for respiratory viruses. Therapeutic interventions targeting these receptors often involve the use of sialidases (like DAS181) to enzymatically remove the sialic acid residues, thereby stripping the cell of the 'doorway' used by viruses, or the use of neuraminidase inhibitors to prevent the release of newly formed viral particles from these glycan anchors.

Other names

Sialylated glycansSialic acid receptorsSialosidesN-acetylneuraminic acid-containing glycansNeu5Ac-containing glycansSialic acid-terminated glycoconjugates

Enzymatic cleavage of terminal sialic acid residues to prevent viral attachment; competitive inhibition of viral neuraminidase to prevent viral release; blocking of pathogen hemagglutinin binding sites.