High-Affinity Glycopolymer Binding to Human DC-SIGN and Disruption of DC-SIGN Interactions with HIV Envelope Glycoprotein

Noncovalent interactions between complex carbohydrates and proteins drive many fundamental processes within biological systems, including human immunity. In this report we aimed to investigate the potential of mannose-containing glycopolymers to interact with human DC-SIGN and the ability of these glycopolymers to inhibit the interactions between DC-SIGN and the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120. We used a library of glycopolymers that are prepared via combination of copper-mediated living radical polymerization and azide-alkyne [3+2] Huisgen cycloaddition reaction. We demonstrate that a relatively simple glycopolymer can effectively prevent the interactions between a human dendritic cell associated lectin (DC-SIGN) and the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120. This approach may give rise to novel insights into the mechanisms of HIV infection and provide potential new therapeutics.