Human histo-blood group antigen (HBGA)

Human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are a diverse group of complex carbohydrate structures expressed on the surface of red blood cells, epithelial cells, and within mucosal secretions such as saliva and breast milk [1]. They are synthesized by the coordinated action of various glycosyltransferases, including those encoded by the ABO, Secretor (FUT2), and Lewis (FUT3) genes [2]. Beyond their role in transfusion medicine, HBGAs serve as critical attachment factors and receptors for a variety of significant human pathogens, including noroviruses, rotaviruses, and Helicobacter pylori [3]. Susceptibility to many gastrointestinal infections is directly linked to an individual's specific HBGA profile, particularly their 'secretor status,' which determines the presence of these antigens in the gut lumen [4]. In therapeutic development, HBGAs are primarily addressed using 'anti-adhesion' strategies, where synthetic HBGA mimics or human milk oligosaccharides act as decoys to competitively block pathogens from binding to the host [5]. Additionally, enzymatic modification of these antigens is being explored to create 'universal' organs for transplantation by removing immunogenic A and B terminal sugars [6].

Other names

ABO blood group antigensLewis antigensSecretor antigensHisto-blood group carbohydratesH-type antigensBlood group glycans

Competitive inhibition of pathogen-host interaction via glycomimetics or enzymatic cleavage of terminal carbohydrate residues to prevent pathogen adhesion.