Work

Microbial Surface Glycan Probe Isolates Anti- l -Rhamnose Antibodies from Human Serum for Bacterial Detection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Bacterial strains are distinguished by surface glycans composed of defined sugar sequences that include “rare” monosaccharides, which are absent in human glycans and help to mediate host–microbe interactions. One of the most prevalent rare sugars is l -Rhamnose ( l -Rha), and human sera are generally enriched in anti- l -Rha antibodies; however, the source of l -Rha antigens is unknown. Here, we synthesize a surface glycan l -Rha- N -acetyl glucosamine disaccharide sequence, which is found across many bacterial species, to evaluate binding motifs of human anti-glycan antibodies in clinical and commercial human sera. We find that sera are enriched in IgG antibodies that react with this disaccharide probe. Through capture of bound antibodies and analysis with surface glycan sequences from different strains, we observe that bound human antibodies appear to recognize free or branched, but not internal, l -Rha motifs. Overall, this work details the isolation of naturally occurring anti- l -Rha human antibodies and promotes an understanding of their carbohydrate recognition epitopes.

Source: ACS Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00757

Authors: Hersa Milawati, Mia Sheshova, Joanna Joo, Tania J. Lupoli

Institution: New York University

Language: English

Topic: Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500