Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third major component of human milk, and one of their functions is to protect the infant from bacterial and viral infections. Past research has shown that norovirus binds to HMOs in a similar way that it binds to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), sugars present on the surface of our gut that are known to be initial attachment factors for norovirus. Both HMOs and HBGAs share a common building block named fucose, which interacts directly with the norovirus capsid (the virus’ shell). Understanding the chemical space surrounding the norovirus capsid-fucose interface is important for the design of a HMO-like molecule that can compete with HBGAs for the same pocket in the norovirus capsid and, in the end, prevent infection. Henry Flatau [DC6] is currently investigating this protein-ligand chemical space by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or, more exactly, STD-NMR, and by modelling this interaction using a method that has been developed in CSIC-cicCartuja (Seville, Spain), where he is currently working. Get to know more about his research (and more!) in this video that he made for you!
