[Genetic susceptibility to norovirus infection]

Abstract

Norovirus (NoV) are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritidis in humans worldwide. They are transmitted through consumption of contaminated food, or mostly by direct person-to-person contact. However, susceptibility to NoV infection is variable. NoVs recognize carbohydrate ligand, including A, B, H and Lewis histoblood group antigen (HBGAs) for attachment to human epithelial cells. Synthesis of these HBGAs requires various glycosyltransferase encoded by the ABO, FUT2, FUT3 genes. The presence of distinct carbohydrates structures dependent upon the combined polymorphism at the FUT2, FUT3 and ABO loci influences susceptibility to NoV infection. NoV-glycan interactions studies show that different strains recognize specific HBGAs. Together with herd immunity, HBGAs play a major role in the epidemiology and evolution of NoVs.