Let’s talk about sexes: sex-related N-glycosylation in ecologically important invertebrates

Parasitic helminths and pest insects are organisms with great ecological importance, having direct or indirect detrimental effects on people’s lives worldwide. Several reports in literature indicate that the glycan repertoire of parasites plays important roles in host-parasite interactions and modulation and evasion of the host immune system, while insect glycans are essential for their survival, growth and development. Although glycosylation is the result of a highly conserved machinery, differences between species and between different stages of one organism’s life cycle occur. This review provides insight into recent glycomics studies both for helminths and insects, focussing on sex differences and the role of carbohydrate structures in reproduction. Information on the differential N-glycosylation process between males and females can generate a better understanding of the biology and physiology of these economic important organisms, and can contribute to the discovery of novel anti-fecundity vaccine candidates and drug targets, as well as in the elaboration of innovative pest management strategies.