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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Analysis of Fucosylated Human Milk Trisaccharides in Biotechnological Context Using Genetically Encoded Biosensors
Published on: April 13, 2019
Norovirus devours human milk oligosaccharides rich in α-fucose
Eva-Maria Krammer1, Julie Maria Jozefa Bouckaert2
1From the Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), UMR8576 of CNRS and UdeLille, 50 Avenue de Halley, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Abstract:
Human norovirus binding to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) is thought to direct their entry into host cells. However, the glycan epitopes characteristic of HBGAs are also present on oligosaccharides abundant in human milk. In this issue of JBC, Hanisch et al compared norovirus binding to human gastric mucins and human milk oligosaccharides, finding those bound most avidly are rich in α-fucose. Mimicry of these epitopes with α-fucose multivalently displayed on other carbohydrate scaffolds successfully scavenged this prevalent virus, providing new insights into norovirus biology and clues for future therapeutic development.
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