Glycodendritic structures: promising new antiviral drugs

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2004 Sep;54(3):579-81. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkh399. Epub 2004 Aug 12.

Abstract

DC-SIGN, a C-type lectin expressed by dendritic cells, is able to recognize high mannosylated glycoproteins at the surface of a broad range of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. For at least some of these agents this interaction appears to be an important part of the infection process. Therefore, this lectin might be considered in the design of new antiviral drugs. In this manner, multivalent carbohydrate systems based on dendrimers and dendritic polymers are promising candidates as antiviral drugs. Boltorn hyperbranched dendritic polymers functionalized with mannose have been used to inhibit DC-SIGN-mediated infection in an Ebola-pseudotyped viral model. Their physiological solubility, lack of toxicity and especially their low price suggest the application of these glycodendritic polymers for possible formulation as microbicides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism*
  • Ebolavirus / chemistry
  • Ebolavirus / drug effects
  • Glycoproteins / chemical synthesis*
  • Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Glycoproteins / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glycoproteins