Recent Advances on Multivalent Carbon Nanoform-Based Glycoconjugates

Abstract

: Multivalent carbohydrate-mediated interactions are fundamental to many biological processes, including disease mechanisms. To study these significant glycan-mediated interactions at a molecular level, carbon nanoforms such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, or graphene and their derivatives have been identified as promising biocompatible scaffolds that can mimic the multivalent presentation of biologically relevant glycans. In this minireview, we will summarize the most relevant examples of the last few years in the context of their applications.

Polyvalent Glycan Quantum Dots as a Multifunctional Tool for Revealing Thermodynamic, Kinetic, and Structural Details of Multivalent Lectin–Glycan Interactions

“…viruses, bacteria, and fungi) to establish attachment on host cells to initiate infection or by cancer cells to suppress host immunity to assist cancer development. , Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of MLGIs is of great importance and significance. In this regard, multivalent glycans are widely employed as research probes for MLGI mechanisms as well as potential therapeutics against specific MLGIs. − Here, the binding mode between MLGI binding partners is critical. When MLGI binding partners have perfect spatial and orientation matches, they will form simultaneous multivalent binding and give a great affinity enhancement and hence effective intervention. − Whereas, those that do not have such spatial/orientation matches may cross-link with each other, giving rise to a relatively low affinity enhancement and a less effective result. − However, information regarding the majority of MLGI binding modes and how different binding modes affect the affinity and underlying binding thermodynamics and kinetics remains largely unexplored.…”

“…These are not only for understanding their basic structural and biophysical mechanisms but also for guiding the design of multivalent glycan entry inhibitors for blocking DC-SIGN/R-medicated viral infections. This antiviral mode can avoid virus mutation and develop resistance and thus can be advantageous over other antiviral strategies. ,,− In addition, DC-SIGN targeting multivalent glycans can be harnessed as potential new therapeutics against cancer, allergy, and other immune dysregulation diseases, by exploiting DC-SIGN’s powerful immune regulation functions. − …”

Multivalent glycosystems for human lectins

“…[125][126][127][128] In this context, glycofullerenes with a T h octahedral symmetry and globular structure have been used simulating the carbohydrate coating on the viral surface which can interfere with the virus infection process by blocking DC-SIGN. [129][130][131] This topic will be covered in detail in another review of this issue. However, we would like to highlight a few examples since our research group has been working in this field recently.…”

Saponins of Selected Triterpenoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Review

“…Nanosized materials of this origin often display amphiphilic properties, which are important for pharmacological and medicinal applications. Saponins that are considered to be glycoconjugates with similar characteristics as amphiphiles, both appearing in nature and/or available synthetically, representing compounds and nanoscale materials formed therefrom that are capable of giving rise to multivalent carbohydrate-mediated interactions in biological processes that include important disease mechanisms [ 29 ]. Saponins also play an important role as adjuvants, i.e., compounds or nanoscale systems capable of increasing the efficacy of certain drugs [ 30 ].…”