The Crossroads of Glycoscience, Infection, and Immunology

Abstract

Advances in experimental capabilities in the glycosciences offer expanding opportunities for discovery in the broad areas of immunology and microbiology. These two disciplines overlap when microbial infection stimulates host immune responses and glycan structures are central in the processes that occur during all such encounters. Microbial glycans mediate host-pathogen interactions by acting as surface receptors or ligands, functioning as virulence factors, impeding host immune responses, or playing other roles in the struggle between host and microbe. In the context of the host, glycosylation drives cell–cell interactions that initiate and regulate the host response and modulates the effects of antibodies and soluble immune mediators. This perspective reports on a workshop organized jointly by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in May 2020. The conference addressed the use of emerging glycoscience tools and resources to advance investigation of glycans and their roles in microbe-host interactions, immune-mediated diseases, and immune cell recognition and function. Future discoveries in these areas will increase fundamental scientific understanding and have the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of infections and immune dysregulation.

A Holistic 4D Approach to Optimize Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Contributing to Variability in Microarray Biosensing in Glycomics

“…Coherently, the secreted and cell-surface glycome serves as an intrinsic barometer of cellular wellbeing and thereby reflects the overall cellular status in health and disease [ 7 ]. It has also been well appreciated that glycosylation acts as a “universal self” in addition to protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences and is used as a signature to discern “self” vs. “alien” [ 8 ]. The plethora of glycans and oligosaccharides that decorate the various glycoconjugates and polysaccharides potentially conceal extensive information, harboring a myriad of glycocodes, which need to be deciphered in biological and medical contexts.…”

Microarray-guided evaluation of the frequency, B-cell origins, and selectivity of human glycan-binding antibodies reveals new insights and novel antibodies

“…The immune system produces a diverse assortment of carbohydrate-binding antibodies that are vital for human health ( 1 , 2 ). For example, antibodies that bind bacterial, fungal, and other microbial polysaccharides provide protection from infections ( 3 ). These antibodies can be acquired through natural processes or can be induced through vaccination ( 4 , 5 ).…”