Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
13:56
A Comparative Approach to Characterize the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions
Published on: July 18, 2013
10.6K
Host-pathogen co-evolution and glycan interactions.
Jacques Le Pendu1, Kristina Nyström1, Nathalie Ruvoën-Clouet2
1Inserm, UMR 892; CNRS, UMR 6299; Université de Nantes, IRS UN, 8 Quai Moncousu, BP 70721, 44007 Nantes cedex 1, France.
Current Opinion in Virology
|July 8, 2014
Summary
Noroviruses and rotavirus A utilize histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) for infection. Host HBGA diversity creates herd innate protection, maintaining virus circulation while partially protecting the population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Noroviruses and rotavirus A attach to host histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs).
- HBGA polymorphism in humans leads to varied susceptibility to different virus strains.
- This variation suggests a co-evolutionary trade-off maintaining both host protection and virus spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the co-evolutionary dynamics between caliciviruses, specifically RHDV, and host HBGA diversity.
- To understand how HBGA polymorphism contributes to herd innate protection.
- To use RHDV as a model for studying virus-host co-evolution involving glycan recognition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HBGA binding specificities of norovirus and rotavirus strains.
- Examination of field observations documenting virus evolution and host HBGA phenotype selection.
- Modeling of virus-host interactions based on glycan polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Norovirus strains collectively infect the human population but individually infect subgroups.
- Host HBGA diversity provides partial population-level protection ('Herd Innate Protection').
- Evidence of reciprocal evolution: viruses adapting to HBGA diversity and hosts selected by virus outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- HBGA polymorphism is a key factor in the co-evolutionary relationship between humans and caliciviruses.
- Herd innate protection, driven by HBGA diversity, balances host defense and pathogen persistence.
- RHDV serves as a valuable model for understanding virus-host co-evolutionary processes involving glycans.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Colonisation of Pathogens
73
Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
73
01:14Glycocalyx and its Functions
9.1K
The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich, fuzzy-appearing layer on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It is highly hydrophilic, because of this it attracts large amounts of water to the cell's surface. This aids the cell's interaction with the watery environment and also helps it to obtain substances dissolved in the water. It is also important for cell identification, self/non-self determination, and embryonic development and is used in cell-to-cell attachments to form tissues.
9.1K
01:26Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
55
Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...
55
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
104
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
104
01:25Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
74
Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through...
74
01:25Protein Glycosylation
8.3K
Glycosylation, the most common post-translational modification for proteins, serves diverse functions. Adding sugars to proteins makes the proteins more resistant to proteolytic digestion. Glycosylated proteins can act as markers and receptors to promote cell-cell adhesion. Additionally, they have many essential quality control functions in the cell, such as correct protein folding and facilitating transport of misfolded proteins to the cytosol, which can be degraded.
Glycosylation occurs in...
Glycosylation occurs in...
8.3K