Monosaccharide lipid A mimetics composed by a glucosamine core linked to two fatty acid chains and bearing one or two phosphates have been synthesized. While compounds 1 and 2, with one phosphate group, were practically inactive in inhibiting LPS-induced TLR4 signaling and cytokine production in HEK-blue™ cells and murine macrophages, compound 3 with two phosphates was found to be active in efficiently inhibiting TLR4 signal in both cell types. The direct interaction of molecule 3 with MD-2 co-receptor has been investigated by means of NMR and molecular modeling/docking analysis. This compound also interacts directly with CD14 receptor, stimulating its internalization by endocytosis. Experiments on macrophages show that the effect on CD14 reinforces the activity on MD-2.TLR4, because compound 3 activity is higher when CD14 is important for TLR4 signaling i,e, at low LPS concentration. The dual MD-2 and CD14 targeting, accompanied by good solubility in water and lack of toxicity, suggests the use of monosaccharide 3 as a lead compound to develop drugs directed against TLR4-related syndromes.

Background:The Burkholderia cenocepacia lipid A is hypoacylated. Results: Aminoarabinose residues in lipid A contribute to Burkholderia lipid A binding to the TLR4⅐MD-2 complex. Conclusion: A novel mode of Burkholderia lipopolysaccharide-TLR4⅐MD-2 interactions promotes inflammation. Significance: Modifications of the lipid A structure enhance proinflammatory responses of hypoacylated lipopolysaccharide.

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