# Glycan masking in immunogen design: computational and experimental methods

## TL;DR

This paper reviews computational and experimental methods for using glycans to mask specific epitopes in vaccine design.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of glycan masking techniques for immunogen design.

## Key findings

- Glycan masking hides low-potency epitopes using sugars on target proteins.
- The paper covers in silico methods for predicting glycosylation sites.
- It discusses in vitro validation of glycosylated immunogens.

## Abstract

Epitope-focused vaccine design aims to improve upon existing immunization strategies by eliciting immune responses against specific epitopes targeted by known therapeutic antibodies. One of the techniques in epitope-focused immunogen design is glycan masking, in which sugars are used to hide epitopes on the protein of interest that are associated with low therapeutic potency. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the computational and experimental techniques associated with glycan masking for immunogen design at a biochemical and biophysical level. We will cover well-established and emerging in silico methods for predicting and engineering glycosylation sites. Additionally, we will discuss expression and validation of glycosylated immunogens in vitro. We hope this review will be a useful overview for scientists interested in performing glycan masking in their field of research.