Secretors of HBGA and Susceptibility to Norovirus and Rotavirus Diarrhea

Histo-blood group antigen contains oligosaccharides that serve as receptors for norovirus (NoV) and rotavirus (RV). The receptors are only present on the surface of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells of secretors; therefore, secretors are susceptible to NoV and RV diarrhea and nonsecretors are resistant. The prevalence of secretors in different countries varies between 50% and 90%. Secretor rates evolved in response to environmental pressures such as infectious diseases.

Automated summary

Histo-blood group antigen are receptors for norovirus and rotavirus, only present on the intestinal mucosal epithelial cells of secretors. Secretors are susceptible to these viruses, while nonsecretors are resistant. Secretor rates have evolved in response to environmental pressures such as infectious diseases.