Norovirus and its histo-blood group antigen receptors: an answer to a historical puzzle

摘要: Recent findings demonstrate that human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) serve as receptors for norovirus infection. The recognition of HBGAs by noroviruses is a typical protein-carbohydrate interaction, in which the protruding domain viral capsid protein forms an interface with oligosaccharide side-chains antigens, wide diversity among different strains. HBGA system also highly polymorphic and controlled multiple gene families silent alleles. presence such diversified molecules on cell surfaces indicates possible host defense mechanism against changing external environment. As mild pathogens replicate possibly only intestinal tract, have developed unique strategies to overcome system. This has been shown their genetic structural variations, explains why norovirus-associated diseases are so common widespread every population worldwide.