Dynamic micelles of mannoside glycolipids are more efficient than polymers for inhibiting HIV-1 trans-infection.

Mannoside glycolipid conjugates are able to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) trans-infection mediated by human dendritic cells (DCs). The conjugates are formed by three building blocks: a linear or branched mannose head, a hydrophilic linker, and a 24-carbon lipid chain. We have shown that, even as single molecules, these compounds efficiently target mannose-binding lectins, such as DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) important for HIV-1 transmission.

Synthesis of novel mannoside glycolipid conjugates for inhibition of HIV-1 trans-infection.

Mannose-binding lectins, such as dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), are expressed at the surface of human dendritic cells (DCs) that capture and transmit human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) to CD4(+) cells. With the goal of reducing viral trans-infection by targeting DC-SIGN, we have designed a new class of mannoside glycolipid conjugates. We report the synthesis of amphiphiles composed of a mannose head, a hydrophilic linker essential for solubility in aqueous media, and a lipid chain of variable length.