Protein sulfoconjugation, or sulfation, represents a critical post-translational modification (PTM) process that involves the attachment of sulfate groups to various positions of substrates within the protein peptides or glycoproteins. This process plays a dynamic and complex role in many physiological and pathological processes. Here, we summarize the importance of sulfation in the fields of oncology, virology, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and atherosclerosis. In oncology, sulfation is involved in tumor initiation, progression, and migration. In virology, sulfation influences viral entry, replication, and host immune response. In DILI, sulfation is associated with the incidence of DILI, where altered sulfation affects drug metabolism and toxicity. In IBD, dysregulation of sulfation compromises mucosal barrier and immune response. In atherosclerosis, sulfation influences the development of atherosclerosis by modulating the accumulation of lipoprotein, and the inflammation, proliferation, and migration of smooth muscle cells. The current review underscores the importance of further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of targeting sulfoconjugation in various diseases. A better understanding of sulfation could facilitate the emergence of innovative diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.

蛋白质磺基缀合或硫酸化是一个关键的翻译后修饰 (PTM) 过程，涉及将硫酸基团附着到蛋白质肽或糖蛋白内底物的各个位置。这一过程在许多生理和病理过程中发挥着动态而复杂的作用。在这里，我们总结了硫酸化在肿瘤学、病毒学、药物性肝损伤 (DILI)、炎症性肠病 (IBD) 和动脉粥样硬化领域的重要性。在肿瘤学中，硫酸化参与肿瘤的发生、进展和迁移。在病毒学中，硫酸化影响病毒的进入、复制和宿主免疫反应。在 DILI 中，硫酸化与 DILI 的发生率相关，硫酸化的改变会影响药物代谢和毒性。在 IBD 中，硫酸化失调会损害粘膜屏障和免疫反应。在动脉粥样硬化中，硫酸化通过调节脂蛋白的积累以及平滑肌细胞的炎症、增殖和迁移来影响动脉粥样硬化的发展。当前的综述强调了进一步研究的重要性，以揭示靶向磺基结合在各种疾病中的潜在机制和治疗潜力。更好地了解硫酸化可以促进创新诊断或治疗策略的出现。