Giulia Bandini and Michael A.J. Ferguson.
Encyclopedia of Cell Biology: Volume 1-6, Second Edition, Volume 4, Pages 363 – 3721 January 2023
DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-821618-7.00018-3
Abstract
Protozoan parasites are an extremely diverse group of organisms that affect human health worldwide. Glycans can play key roles in parasite virulence and they are often found at the center of the strategies these pathogens have evolved to interact with their hosts and transmission vectors. Here we describe some of the best characterized examples of glycan-mediated host-parasite interactions. The aim is to illustrate the spectrum of mechanisms and biomolecular structures employed by parasites to (1) recognize and attach to the host, (2) evade and modulate the immune response, and (3) build protective walls using glycans and glycan-binding proteins. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.