Glycomics

Abstract

The carbohydrate-containing molecules of protozoan parasites have been studied for some 40 or so years, and the results of the many studies indicate that these glycoconjugates display a high degree of species specificity. Nevertheless, a number of major classes of glycoconjugate can be distinguished - whether the glycans be N, O or P linked to protein or are lipid linked. Although modern glycomic analyses have enabled advances in our knowledge, many questions remain regarding structure, biosynthesis and function. In many cases, roles in virulence can be proposed, and the potential for glycans to be important for diagnosis or therapy is significant.