Deciphering Biological Roles and Molecular Interactions of Glycans in Microbial and Viral Systems

Glycans and glycan-binding proteins are central to communication in biological systems, profoundly influencing microbial ecosystems, host-microbe interactions, and viral pathogenesis. As structurally diverse biomolecules, glycans function as key regulators of microbial colonization, immune recognition, and infection outcomes. Deciphering how glycans modulate microbial community structure and function, the evolution of antibiotic resistance, susceptibility to viral infection, and the orchestration of immune responses is pivotal for advancing our molecular understanding of health and disease.This Research Topic aims to capture cutting-edge research and reviews focused on glycan-mediated molecular interactions relevant to microbial and viral systems. Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:- The chemical diversity, biosynthesis, and molecular specificity of glycans and their binding partners across microbial and viral systems.- Mechanistic insights into how glycans shape the structure and behavior of gut microbiota, mediate host-microbe cross-talk, and influence pathogen colonization or resistance.- Investigations into the roles of glycans in viral attachment, entry, immune evasion, and tissue targeting, with relevance to clinically important pathogens such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus and emerging viral threats.- Functional implications of glycan interactions in immune regulation, inflammation, and susceptibility or resistance to infection.Recognizing the expanding complexity of glycoscience, we especially encourage submissions that harness artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to advance the field. These include machine learning-based glycomics analysis, automated glycan sequencing or identification pipelines, high-throughput screening technologies, and computational modeling approaches for predicting glycan-protein interactions or host-microbe dynamics. Integrating AI-driven methodologies and automation can streamline data analysis, expand the scale and depth of glycan discovery, and reduce labor-intensive bottlenecks—accelerating progress and opening new avenues in molecular biosciences.We invite original research, reviews, and perspectives that elucidate glycan biology at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, especially where innovative technological solutions drive discovery. Articles highlighting the development or application of AI-powered or automated tools for glycan analysis, structure-function studies, or systems-level approaches are particularly welcome. Topic editors: ANU PAUL, Hsien-Ya Lin, Somanath Kallolimath, Zhengliang Wu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/74100/deciphering-biological-roles-and-molecular-interactions-of-glycans-in-microbial-and-viral-systems