The role of epigenetic regulation of membrane glycoconjugates in the attenuation of viral pandemics

Abstract

Cell membranes of higher organisms are covered with a dense layer of glycoconjugates which determine their interactions with other cells, intrinsic signals and environmental stimuli. The majority of pathogenic microorganisms bind to cell surface glycoconjugates and the specificity of this interaction restricts their range of hosts. Contrary to proteins, which are defined by their corresponding genes, there is no genetic template for individual glycan structures. Instead, glycan structures are encoded in a complex dynamic network of hundreds of genes that code for proteins involved in the synthesis of glycans. Large structural variability provided by glycans represents a significant evolutionary advantage and cells of all higher organisms are covered with different glycoconjugates. Here we propose a hypothesis that epigenetic regulation of the glycosylation machinery could modify surface presentation of membrane glycoconjugates, and thus render cells and whole organisms resistant to specific pathogens. This protective mechanism could be of significant importance for restricting transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and diminishing their epidemic potential.