All cells and numerous macromolecules in nature display sugars that are covalently attached to them, either alone or as carbohydrate chains, which are commonly referred to as glycans. These glycans play vital roles in a multitude of biological processes, notably in immune responses. Likewise, pathogens have developed a plethora of strategies to either escape and/or manipulate their host’s immune response, thus helping in establishing an infection. It should come as no surprise that many of these mechanisms are mediated through glycans. Still, an infected host is able to mount adaptative immune responses to clear those infections. One part of this adaptative immunity is the humoral response, where B lymphocytes secrete antibody molecules that target specifically the pathogen for elimination. Glycans also play crucial roles in the ability to bind to antigens and to mediate their effector functions, as all antibodies are well known to be glycosylated.
A wide range of pathogens is studied, with the focus being on airborne viruses such as influenza A viruses and coronaviruses in livestock animals. The mouse also serves as a model organism.