The Role of Microbial Glycosylation in Host-Pathogen Interactions

There are many complex and dynamic interactions at play between a host and a pathogenic organism during infection. Microbial virulence factors contribute to pathogenesis while host immune responses aim to eliminate the microbial threat. The severity of the disease largely depends on the outcome of these two opposing forces. It is increasingly recognized that glycosylation plays an important role in these host-pathogen interactions on both sides of the equation. Interestingly, microbial carbohydrate structural diversity outstrips that of eukaryotes and represents an undiscovered country of glycan structures. Identifying, characterizing, and determining the role of these mono- and poly- saccharide structures is challenging, but contributes to our understanding of pathogenesis which may lead to new therapeutic interventions. This is especially important as the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a significant global health threat, estimated to be directly responsible for more than a million deaths each year.

This Research Topic will focus on glycosylation in bacteria, viruses, and fungi as it relates to host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Host recognition
• Adherence to and colonization of host cells and tissues
• Motility
• Toxin production and secretion
• Immune stimulation and antigenicity
• Immune evasion and inhibition
• Physical stability and survival
• Therapeutic interventions involving or targeting microbial glycosylation

Many article submission types are welcome: Brief Research Report, Case Report, Correction, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, or Review.