Selective targeting of dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) with mannose-based glycomimetics: synthesis and interaction studies of bis(benzylamide) derivatives of a pseudomannobioside.

Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) and Langerin are C-type lectins of dendritic cells (DCs) that share a specificity for mannose and are involved in pathogen recognition. HIV is known to use DC-SIGN on DCs to facilitate transinfection of T-cells. Langerin, on the contrary, contributes to virus elimination; therefore, the inhibition of this latter receptor is undesired.