Human Milk Oligosaccharides as Promising Antivirals

Abstract

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are diverse unconjugated carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human breast milk. These glycans are investigated in the context of exhibiting multiple functions in infant growth and development. They seem to provide protection against infectious diseases, including a number of poorly manageable viral infections. Although the potential mechanism of the HMO antiviral protection is rather broad, much of the current experimental work has focused on studying of HMO antiadhesive properties. HMOs may mimic structures of viral receptors and block adherence to target cells, thus preventing infection. Still, the potential of HMOs as a source for new antiviral drugs is relatively unexploited. This can be partly attributed to the extreme complexity of the virus-carbohydrate interactions and technical difficulties in HMO isolation, characterization, and manufacturing procedures. Fortunately, we are currently entering a period of major technological advances that have enabled deeper insights into carbohydrate mediated viral entry, rational selection of HMOs as anti-entry inhibitors, and even evaluation of individual synthetic HMO structures. Here, we provide an up-to-date review on glycan binding studies for rotaviruses, noroviruses, influenza viruses, and human immunodeficiency viruses. We also discuss the preventive and therapeutic potential of HMOs as anti-entry inhibitors and address challenges on the route from fundamental studies to clinical trials.

Strain-Specific Probiotic Properties of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli for the Prevention of Diarrhea Caused by Rotavirus in a Preclinical Model

“…In vitro studies have reported that Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are able to inhibit RV infection [2,37], for example by interfering in the adhesion step. In this regard, it may be possible that glycans or other molecules found on the surface of the bacteria interact with the virus, therefore blocking the infection, similar to oligosaccharides present in breastmilk [70,71] and infant formula [13].…”

Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health

“…HMOs prevent the attachment of pathogenic bacteria by serving as soluble glycan receptor decoys. It has been reported that HMOs resemble structures of viral receptors and prevent adherence to cells, therefore preventing infection [81][82][83]. A number of studies have documented that HMOs play an important role in preventing infant gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections [84,85].…”

Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Health Benefits, Potential Applications in Infant Formulas, and Pharmacology

“…Branching can be linear or branched through bonds b1-3 or b1-6. The sequence can be further modified by the addition of Fuc and/or SA monosaccharides through alpha 1-2,3,4 and alpha 2-3,6 bonds due to the action of fucosyltransferases and sialyltransferases [6].…”

“…further modified by the addition of Fuc and/or SA monosaccharides through alpha 1-2,3,4 and alpha 2-3,6 bonds due to the action of fucosyltransferases and sialyltransferases [6]. Human milk contains three major HMO types: neutral, neutral N-containing and acid.…”