Crystallography of a Lewis-Binding Norovirus, Elucidation of Strain-Specificity to the Polymorphic Human Histo-Blood Group Antigens
2011

Understanding How Norovirus Binds to Human Blood Group Antigens

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Chen Yutao, Tan Ming, Xia Ming, Hao Ning, Zhang Xuejun C., Huang Pengwei, Jiang Xi, Li Xuemei, Rao Zihe

Primary Institution: National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

How does the Lewis-binding norovirus VA207 interact with different human histo-blood group antigens?

Conclusion

The study reveals the structural basis for the strain-specific binding of the Lewis-binding norovirus to human blood group antigens.

Supporting Evidence

  • The crystal structures of the HBGA-binding interfaces of two noroviruses were elucidated.
  • VA207 interacts with Lewis antigens through a distinct binding mode compared to other strains.
  • The study provides insight into the complex interaction between noroviruses and human blood group antigens.
  • Mutagenesis studies identified key amino acids responsible for strain-specific binding.
  • Findings highlight the role of human HBGA as a critical factor in norovirus evolution.

Takeaway

Norovirus can stick to certain sugars on our cells, and this study shows how one type of norovirus does it differently than others.

Methodology

The study used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the P domain protein of the Lewis-binding norovirus VA207 and its interaction with histo-blood group antigens.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1002152

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication