Glycomimetic Ligands for C-type Lectin Recognition.

Abstract

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) represent pivotal sensory mechanisms orchestrating the primary immune response via dendritic cells.1 The exploration of non-native ligands as molecular tools for the manipulation of CLRs has emerged as a highly interesting research area. In the case of DC-SIGN, one of the most extensively investigated CLRs, glycomimetics have been formulated as principal compounds with a demonstrated capacity to proficiently engage DC-SIGN (Figure 1 and 2). The principal problem encountered refers to the structural complexity and challenging synthetic processes associated with these glycomimetics.

In this context, we introduce a novel class of glycomimetic ligands designed for DC-SIGN that exhibit a simpler structural composition and can be readily synthesized. These ligands hold significant promise for potential applications in the field of immune regulation therapeutic (Figure 3).