Multiple modes of binding enhance the affinity of DC-SIGN for high mannose N-linked glycans found on viral glycoproteins

Virus entry: old viruses, new receptors

The long-sought entry receptors for rubella, sindbis and respiratory syncytial viruses (RV, SV and RSV), together with the missing measles virus (MV) receptor for infection of epithelial cells, were identified in 2011. These have been major developments in the field of virus entry. In addition, 2011 was rich in new information about the interactions of MV, RSV and phleboviruses with DC-SIGN during infection of dendritic cells, a crucial step allowing the virus to breach the epithelial barrier and gain access to the lymph nodes. This faciliates dissemination to susceptible tissues where it can develop a vigorous and sustained replication, to eventually target specific organs from which it can propagate into the environment and efficiently infect new hosts, closing the merry-go-round of the virus cycle.

DC-SIGN Family of Receptors

In the immune system, C-type lectins and CTLDs have been shown to act both as adhesion and as pathogen recognition receptors. The Dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and its homologs in human and mouse represent an important C-type lectin family. DC-SIGN contains a lectin domain that recognizes in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner carbohydrates such as mannose-containing structures present on glycoproteins such as ICAM-2 and ICAM-3. DC-SIGN is a prototype C-type lectin organized in microdomains, which have their role as pathogen recognition receptors in sensing microbes. Although the integrin LFA-1 is a counter-receptor for both ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 on DC, DC-SIGN is the high affinity adhesion receptor for ICAM-2/-3. While cell–cell contact is a primary function of selectins, collectins are specialized in recognition of pathogens. Interestingly, DC-SIGN is a cell adhesion receptor as well as a pathogen recognition receptor. As adhesion receptor, DC-SIGN mediates the contact between dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes, by binding to ICAM-3, and mediates rolling of DCs on endothelium, by interacting with ICAM-2. As pathogen receptor, DC-SIGN recognizes a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and several parasites (Cambi et al. 2005). The natural ligands of DC-SIGN consist of mannose oligosaccharides or fucose-containing Lewis-type determinants. In this chapter, we shall focus on the structure and functions of DC-SIGN and related CTLDs in the recognition of pathogens, the molecular and structural determinants that regulate the interaction with pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The heterogeneity of carbohydrate residues exposed on cellular proteins and pathogens regulates specific binding of DC-expressed C-type lectins that contribute to the diversity of immune responses created by DCs (van Kooyk et al. 2003a; Cambi et al. 2005).

HIV-1 N-glycan composition governs a balance between dendritic cell-mediated viral transmission and antigen presentation

The natural function of dendritic cells (DCs) is to capture and degrade pathogens for Ag presentation. However, HIV-1 can evade viral degradation by DCs and hijack DCs for migration to susceptible CD4(+) T lymphocytes. It is unknown what factors decide whether a virus is degraded or transmitted to T cells. The interaction of DCs with HIV-1 involves C-type lectin receptors, such as DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin, which bind to the envelope glycoprotein complex (Env), which is decorated heavily with N-linked glycans. We hypothesized that the saccharide composition of the Env N-glycans is involved in avoiding viral degradation and Ag presentation, as well as preserving infectious virus for the transmission to target cells. Therefore, we studied the fate of normally glycosylated virus versus oligomannose-enriched virus in DCs. Changing the heterogeneous N-linked glycan composition of Env to uniform oligomannose N-glycans increased the affinity of HIV-1 for DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin and enhanced the capture of HIV-1 by immature DCs; however, it decreased the subsequent transmission to target cells. Oligomannose-enriched HIV-1 was directed more efficiently into the endocytic pathway, resulting in enhanced viral degradation and reduced virus transfer to target cells. Furthermore, Env containing exclusively oligomannose N-glycans was presented to Env-specific CD4(+) T cells more efficiently. Taken together, our results showed that the HIV-1 N-glycan composition plays a crucial role in the balance between DC-mediated Ag degradation and presentation and DC-mediated virus transmission to target cells. This finding may have implications for the early events in HIV-1 transmission and the induction of antiviral immune responses.

Protein glycosylation in infectious disease pathobiology and treatment

A host of bacteria and viruses are dependent on O-linked and N-linked glycosylation to perform vital biological functions. Pathogens often have integral proteins that participate in host-cell interactions such as receptor binding and fusion with host membrane. Fusion proteins from a broad range of disparate viruses, such as paramyxovirus, HIV, ebola, and the influenza viruses share a variety of common features that are augmented by glycosylation. Each of these viruses contain multiple glycosylation sites that must be processed and modified by the host post-translational machinery to be fusogenically active. In most viruses, glycosylation plays a role in biogenesis, stability, antigenicity and infectivity. In bacteria, glycosylation events play an important role in the formation of flagellin and pili and are vitally important to adherence, attachment, infectivity and immune evasion. With the importance of glycosylation to pathogen survival, it is clear that a better understanding of the processes is needed to understand the pathogen requirement for glycosylation and to capitalize on this requirement for the development of novel therapeutics.

A computational approach for exploring carbohydrate recognition by lectins in innate immunity

Recognition of pathogen-associated carbohydrates by a broad range of carbohydrate-binding proteins is central to both adaptive and innate immunity. A large functionally diverse group of mammalian carbohydrate-binding proteins are lectins, which often display calcium-dependent carbohydrate interactions mediated by one or more carbohydrate recognition domains. We report here the application of molecular docking and site mapping to study carbohydrate recognition by several lectins involved in innate immunity or in modulating adaptive immune responses. It was found that molecular docking programs can identify the correct carbohydrate-binding mode, but often have difficulty in ranking it as the best pose. This is largely attributed to the broad and shallow nature of lectin binding sites, and the high flexibility of carbohydrates. Site mapping is very effective at identifying lectin residues involved in carbohydrate recognition, especially with cases that were found to be particularly difficult to characterize via molecular docking. This study highlights the need for alternative strategies to examine carbohydrate–lectin interactions, and specifically demonstrates the potential for mapping methods to extract additional and relevant information from the ensembles of binding poses generated by molecular docking.

Dynamic aspects of antibody:oligosaccharide complexes characterized by molecular dynamics simulations and saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance

Carbohydrates are likely to maintain significant conformational flexibility in antibody (Ab):carbohydrate complexes. As demonstrated herein for the protective monoclonal Ab (mAb) F22-4 recognizing the Shigella flexneri 2a O-antigen (O-Ag) and numerous synthetic oligosaccharide fragments thereof, the combination of molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance saturation transfer difference experiments, supported by physicochemical analysis, allows us to determine the binding epitope and its various contributions to affinity without using any modified oligosaccharides. Moreover, the methods used provide insights into ligand flexibility in the complex, thus enabling a better understanding of the Ab affinities observed for a representative set of synthetic O-Ag fragments. Additionally, these complementary pieces of information give evidence to the ability of the studied mAb to recognize internal as well as terminal epitopes of its cognate polysaccharide antigen. Hence, we show that an appropriate combination of computational and experimental methods provides a basis to explore carbohydrate functional mimicry and receptor binding. The strategy may facilitate the design of either ligands or carbohydrate recognition domains, according to needed improvements of the natural carbohydrate:receptor properties.

Comparative analysis reveals selective recognition of glycans by the dendritic cell receptors DC-SIGN and Langerin

DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin) and Langerin are homologous C-type lectins expressed as cell-surface receptors on different populations of dendritic cells (DCs). DC-SIGN interacts with glycan structures on HIV-1, facilitating virus survival, transmission and infection, whereas Langerin, which is characteristic of Langerhans cells (LCs), promotes HIV-1 uptake and degradation. Here we describe a comprehensive comparison of the glycan specificities of both proteins by probing a synthetic carbohydrate microarray comprising 275 sugar compounds using the bacterially produced and fluorescence-labeled, monomeric carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) of DC-SIGN and Langerin. In this side-by-side study DC-SIGN was found to preferentially bind internal mannose residues of high-mannose-type saccharides and the fucose-containing blood-type antigens H, A, B, Le(a), Le(b) Le(x), Le(y), sialyl-Le(a) as well as sulfatated derivatives of Le(a) and Le(x). In contrast, Langerin appeared to recognize a different spectrum of compounds, especially those containing terminal mannose, terminal N-acetylglucosamine and 6-sulfogalactose residues, but also the blood-type antigens H, A and B. Of the Lewis antigens, only Le(b), Le(y), sialyl-Le(a) and the sialyl-Le(x) derivative with 6'-sulfatation at the galactose (sialyl-6SGal Le(x)) were weakly bound by Langerin. Notably, Ca(2+)-independent glycan-binding activity of Langerin could not be detected either by probing the glycan array or by isothermal titration calorimetry of the CRD with mannose and mannobiose. The precise knowledge of carbohydrate specificity of DC-SIGN and Langerin receptors resulting from our study may aid the future design of microbicides that specifically affect the DC-SIGN/HIV-1 interaction while not compromising the protective function of Langerin.

N-glycan targeted gene delivery to the dendritic cell SIGN receptor

A novel nonviral gene delivery vector composed of a high-mannose N-glycan conjugated to a polyacridine peptide was prepared. The glycopeptide was designed to bind to plasmid DNA by a combination of polyintercalation and ionic binding, and to the DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intracellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin) receptor expressed on CHO cells by recognition of the high-mannose N-glycan. The glycopeptide conjugate was prepared by purification of a high-mannose N-glycan from affinity fractionated soybean agglutinin (SBA). The SBA was proteolyzed to release the N-glycan which was then modified on its N-terminus with Tyr and a propionate maleimide. A DNA binding polyacridine peptide, Cys-(Acr-Lys)(4), was prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis using Fmoc-Lys(Acr), then conjugated to the maleimide on the N-glycan to produce a glycopeptide. The glycopeptide bound to DNA with high affinity as determined by fluorophore displacement assay and DNA band shift on agarose gel. When bound to Cy5 labeled DNA, the glycopeptide mediated specific uptake in DC-SIGN CHO (+) cells as determined by FACS analysis. In vitro gene transfer studies established that the glycopeptide increased the specificity of gene transfer in DC-SIGN CHO (+) cells 100-fold relative to CHO (-) cells. These studies suggest that a high-mannose N-glycan conjugated to a polyacridine peptide may also facilitate receptor mediated gene delivery in dendritic cells and thereby find utility in the delivery of DNA vaccines.

Enzymatic synthesis of new oligosaccharides using mannosyltransferases from Candida species and their NMR assignments

The outer layer of the cell wall of pathogenic fungi, Candida species, consists of mannan, which plays an important role in infection. In this study, we synthesized several oligosaccharides using mannosyltransferases obtained from Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. Namely, we synthesized mannotetraoses [Manalpha1--> 2Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->2Man and Manalpha1-->3(Manalpha1-->6)Manalpha1-->2Man] from mannotriose, Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1--> 2Man, and mannohexaoses [Manalpha1-->2Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->2Manalpha1-->2Man and Manalpha1-->3(Manalpha1-->6)Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->2Manalpha1-->2Man] from mannopentaose, Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->3Manalpha1-->2Manalpha1-->2Man. The linkage sequence of these oligosaccharides was identified by a sequential (1)H-NMR assignment method combined with rotating frame nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy and relayed coherence transfer spectroscopy. The steric effect by the alpha-1,6-linked branching mannose residue to the H-1 proton chemical shift of the neighboring 3-O-substituted mannose residue was different from that of the 2-O-substituted mannose residue. These oligosaccharides having novel structures seem to be useful as the substrate or ligand for glycomics.

Structural basis for langerin recognition of diverse pathogen and mammalian glycans through a single binding site

Langerin mediates the carbohydrate-dependent uptake of pathogens by Langerhans cells in the first step of antigen presentation to the adaptive immune system. Langerin binds to an unusually diverse number of endogenous and pathogenic cell surface carbohydrates, including mannose-containing O-specific polysaccharides derived from bacterial lipopolysaccharides identified here by probing a microarray of bacterial polysaccharides. Crystal structures of the carbohydrate-recognition domain from human langerin bound to a series of oligomannose compounds, the blood group B antigen, and a fragment of β-glucan reveal binding to mannose, fucose, and glucose residues by Ca²⁺ coordination of vicinal hydroxyl groups with similar stereochemistry. Oligomannose compounds bind through a single mannose residue, with no other mannose residues contacting the protein directly. There is no evidence for a second Ca²⁺-independent binding site. Likewise, a β-glucan fragment, Glcβ1–3Glcβ1–3Glc, binds to langerin through the interaction of a single glucose residue with the Ca²⁺ site. The fucose moiety of the blood group B trisaccharide Galα1–3(Fucα1–2)Gal also binds to the Ca²⁺ site, and selective binding to this glycan compared to other fucose-containing oligosaccharides results from additional favorable interactions of the nonreducing terminal galactose, as well as of the fucose residue. Surprisingly, the equatorial 3-OH group and the axial 4-OH group of the galactose residue in 6SO₄–Galβ1–4GlcNAc also coordinate Ca²⁺, a heretofore unobserved mode of galactose binding in a C-type carbohydrate-recognition domain bearing the Glu-Pro-Asn signature motif characteristic of mannose binding sites. Salt bridges between the sulfate group and two lysine residues appear to compensate for the nonoptimal binding of galactose at this site.

Survey of immune-related, mannose/fucose-binding C-type lectin receptors reveals widely divergent sugar-binding specificities

C-type lectins (CTLs) are proteins that contain one or more carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) that require calcium for sugar binding and share high degree of sequence homology and tertiary structure. CTLs whose CRD contain EPN (Glu-Pro-Asn) tripeptide motifs have potential to bind mannose (Man), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), glucose (Glc) and l-fucose (Fuc), whereas those with QPD (Glu-Pro-Asp) tripeptide motifs bind galactose (Gal) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). We report here for the first time a direct comparison of monosaccharide (and some di- and trisaccharides)-binding characteristics of 11 EPX-containing (X = N, S or D) immune-related CTLs using a competition assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and neoglycoproteins as ligand. The EPX CTLs studied are DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, human and mouse mannose receptors, Langerin, BDCA-2, DCIR, dectin-2, MCL and MINCLE. We found that: (1) they all bound Man and Fuc; (2) binding of Glc and GlcNAc varied considerably among these lectins, but was always less than Man and Fuc; (3) in general, Gal and GalNAc were not bound. However, dectin-2, DCIR and MINCLE showed ability to bind Gal/GalNAc; (4) DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1 and Langerin showed enhanced binding of Manα2Man over Man, whereas all others showed no enhancement; (5) DC-SIGN bound Le(x) trisaccharide structure, which has terminal Gal and Fuc residues, more avidly than Fuc, whereas L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, DCIR and MINCLE bound Le(x) less avidly than Fuc. BDCA-2, dectin-2, Langerin, MCL and mannose receptor did not bind Le(x) at all.

Worms to the rescue: can worm glycans protect from autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases represent a significant health burden, especially in Western societies. For the majority of these diseases, no cure exists. Recently, research on parasitic worms (helminths) has demonstrated great potential for whole worms, their eggs or their excretory/secretory proteins in down-regulating inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo, in various disease models and, in some cases, even in clinical trials. The worms are thought to induce Th2 and regulatory T cells, interfere with Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and to down-regulate Th17 and Th1 responses. The molecular mechanisms underlying the worms' ability to modulate the host immune response are not well understood, and many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the observed immune modulation. Increasing evidence suggests that carbohydrate structures (glycans), for example, phosphorylcholine-modified glycans or Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc- (Lewis X, Le(X)) containing glycans, expressed by the worms contribute to these modulating properties by their interaction with antigen presenting cells. Helminths express a broad variety of protein- and lipid-linked glycans on their surface and on secretory products. These glycans differ in amount and composition and several of these structures are species specific. However, worms also express glycan antigens that are found in a wide variety of different species. Some of these "common" worm glycans are particularly interesting with regard to regulating host responses, because they have the potential to interact with C-type lectins on dendritic cells and thereby may interfere with T-cell polarization. Helminths and helminth-derived molecules form a novel and promising group of therapeutics for autoinflammatory diseases. However, much has to be learned about the molecular mechanisms behind the helminth-mediated antiinflammatory properties. This review will describe some of the emerging evidence in selected disease areas as well as discuss the putative role of glycans in helminth-mediated immunosuppression.

Redirecting lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with Sindbis virus-derived envelope proteins to DC-SIGN by modification of N-linked glycans of envelope proteins

Redirecting the tropism of viral vectors enables specific transduction of selected cells by direct administration of vectors. We previously developed targeting lentiviral vectors by pseudotyping with modified Sindbis virus envelope proteins. These modified Sindbis virus envelope proteins have mutations in their original receptor-binding regions to eliminate their natural tropisms, and they are conjugated with targeting proteins, including antibodies and peptides, to confer their tropisms on target cells. We investigated whether our targeting vectors interact with DC-SIGN, which traps many types of viruses and gene therapy vectors by binding to the N-glycans of their envelope proteins. We found that these vectors do not interact with DC-SIGN. When these vectors were produced in the presence of deoxymannojirimycin, which alters the structures of N-glycans from complex to high mannose, these vectors used DC-SIGN as their receptor. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the N-glycans at E2 amino acid (aa) 196 and E1 aa 139 mediate binding to DC-SIGN, which supports the results of a previous report of cryoelectron microscopy analysis. In addition, we investigated whether modification of the N-glycan structures could activate serum complement activity, possibly by the lectin pathway of complement activation. DC-SIGN-targeted transduction occurs in the presence of human serum complement, demonstrating that high-mannose structure N-glycans of the envelope proteins do not activate human serum complement. These results indicate that the strategy of redirecting viral vectors according to alterations of their N-glycan structures would enable the vectors to target specific cells types expressing particular types of lectins.

Lack of complex N-glycans on HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins preserves protein conformation and entry function

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex (Env) is the focus of vaccine development aimed at eliciting humoral immunity. Env's extensive and heterogeneous N-linked glycosylation affects folding, binding to lectin receptors, antigenicity and immunogenicity. We characterized recombinant Env proteins and virus particles produced in mammalian cells that lack N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI), an enzyme necessary for the conversion of oligomannose N-glycans to complex N-glycans. Carbohydrate analyses revealed that trimeric Env produced in GnTI(-/-) cells contained exclusively oligomannose N-glycans, with incompletely trimmed oligomannose glycans predominating. The folding and conformation of Env proteins was little affected by the manipulation of the glycosylation. Viruses produced in GnTI(-/-) cells were infectious, indicating that the conversion to complex glycans is not necessary for Env entry function, although virus binding to the C-type lectin DC-SIGN was enhanced. Manipulating Env's N-glycosylation may be useful for structural and functional studies and for vaccine design.

Inhibition of DC-SIGN-mediated HIV infection by a linear trimannoside mimic in a tetravalent presentation

HIV infection is pandemic in humans and is responsible for millions of deaths every year. The discovery of new cellular targets that can be used to prevent the infection process represents a new opportunity for developing more effective antiviral drugs. In this context, dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), a lectin expressed at the surface of immature dendritic cells and involved in the initial stages of HIV infection, is a promising therapeutic target. Herein we show the ability of a new tetravalent dendron containing four copies of a linear trimannoside mimic to inhibit the trans HIV infection process of CD4+ T lymphocytes at low micromolar range. This compound presents a high solubility in physiological media, a neglectable cytotoxicity, and a long-lasting effect and is based on carbohydrate-mimic units. Notably, the HIV antiviral activity is independent of viral tropism (X4 or R5). The formulation of this compound as a gel could allow its use as topical microbicide.

Gold manno-glyconanoparticles: multivalent systems to block HIV-1 gp120 binding to the lectin DC-SIGN

The HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 takes advantage of the high-mannose clusters on its surface to target the C-type lectin dendritic cell-specific intracellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) on dendritic cells. Mimicking the cluster presentation of oligomannosides on the virus surface is a strategy for designing carbohydrate-based antiviral agents. Bio-inspired by the cluster presentation of gp120, we have designed and prepared a small library of multivalent water-soluble gold glyconanoparticles (manno-GNPs) presenting truncated (oligo)mannosides of the high-mannose undecasaccharide Man(9)GlcNAc(2) and have tested them as inhibitors of DC-SIGN binding to gp120. These glyconanoparticles are ligands for DC-SIGN, which also interacts in the early steps of infection with a large number of pathogens through specific recognition of associated glycans. (Oligo)mannosides endowed with different spacers ending in thiol groups, which enable attachment of the glycoconjugates to the gold surface, have been prepared. manno-GNPs with different spacers and variable density of mannose (oligo)saccharides have been obtained and characterized. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments with selected manno-GNPs have been performed to study their inhibition potency towards DC-SIGN binding to gp120. The tested manno-GNPs completely inhibit the binding from the micro- to the nanomolar range, while the corresponding monovalent mannosides require millimolar concentrations. manno-GNPs containing the disaccharide Manalpha1-2Manalpha are the best inhibitors, showing more than 20 000-fold increased activity (100 % inhibition at 115 nM) compared to the corresponding monomeric disaccharide (100 % inhibition at 2.2 mM). Furthermore, increasing the density of dimannoside on the gold platform from 50 to 100 % does not improve the level of inhibition.

Mannose–fucose recognition by DC-SIGN

Dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN). DC-SIGN is a C-type lectin receptor that recognizes N-linked high-mannose oligosaccharides and branched fucosylated structures. It is now clear that the biological role of DC-SIGN is two-fold. It is primarily expressed by dendritic cells and mediates important functions necessary for the induction of successful immune responses that are essential for the clearance of microbial infections, such as the capture, destruction, and presentation of microbial pathogens to induce successful immune responses. Yet, on the other hand, pathogens may also exploit DC-SIGN to modulate DC functioning thereby skewing the immune response and promoting their own survival. This chapter presents an overview of the structure of DC-SIGN and its expression pattern among immune cells. The current state of knowledge of DC-SIGN-carbohydrate interactions is discussed and how these interactions influence dendritic cell functioning is examined. The molecular aspects that underlie the selectivity of DC-SIGN for mannose-and fucose-containing carbohydrates are detailed. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the role of DC-SIGN in dendritic cell biology and how certain bacterial pathogens exploit DC-SIGN to escape immune surveillance.

Identification of novel contributions to high-affinity glycoprotein-receptor interactions using engineered ligands

Engineered receptor fragments and glycoprotein ligands employed in different assay formats have been used to dissect the basis for the dramatic enhancement of binding of two model membrane receptors, dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) and the macrophage galactose lectin, to glycoprotein ligands compared to simple sugars. These approaches make it possible to quantify the importance of two major factors that combine to enhance the affinity of single carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) for glycoprotein ligands by 100-to 300-fold. First, the presence of extended binding sites within a single CRD can enhance interaction with branched glycans, resulting in increases of fivefold to 20-fold in affinity. Second, presentation of glycans on a glycoprotein surface increases affinity by 15-to 20-fold, possibly due to low-specificity interactions with the surface of the protein or restriction in the conformation of the glycans. In contrast, when solution-phase networking is avoided, enhancement due to binding of multiple branches of a glycan to multiple CRDs in the oligomeric forms of these receptors is minimal and binding of a receptor oligomer to multiple glycans on a single glycoprotein makes only a twofold contribution to overall affinity. Thus, in these cases, multivalent interactions of individual glycoproteins with individual receptor oligomers have a limited role in achieving high affinity. These findings, combined with considerations of membrane receptor geometry, are consistent with the idea that further enhancement of the binding to multivalent glycoprotein ligands requires interaction of multiple receptor oligomers with the ligands.

Lectins as pattern recognition molecules: the effects of epitope density in innate immunity

The innate immune response of multicellular organisms is initiated by the binding of soluble and membrane-bound host molecules including lectins to the surface of pathogenic organisms. Until recently, it was believed that the epitopes recognized by host molecules were uniquely associated with the pathogenic organisms. Hence, the term pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) was used to describe their binding specificities. However, with an expanding number of lectin classes including C-type lectins, siglecs, and galectins recognized as PRRs, it is apparent that many of the glycan epitopes recognized on foreign pathogens are present in the host and involved in cellular functions. Hence, the molecular basis for pattern recognition by lectins of carbohydrate epitopes on pathogens is in question. A number of studies indicate that the density and number of glycan epitopes in multivalent carbohydrates and glycoprotein receptors determine the affinity of lectins and their effector functions. This paper reviews lectins that are involved in innate immunity, mechanisms of enhanced affinity and cross-linking of lectins with density-dependent glycan epitopes, density-dependent recognition of glycan receptors by lectins in host systems and lectin-glycan interactions in foreign pathogens. Evidence indicates that lectin pattern recognition in innate immunity is part of a general mechanism of density-dependent glycan recognition. This leads to a new definition of lectin receptor in biological systems, which considers the density and number of glycan epitopes on the surface of cells and not just the affinity of single epitopes.

Structural insights into what glycan arrays tell us about how glycan-binding proteins interact with their ligands

Screening of glycan arrays represents a powerful, high-throughput approach to defining oligosaccharide ligands for glycan-binding receptors, commonly referred to as lectins. Correlating results from such arrays with structural analysis of receptor-ligand complexes provide one way to validate the arrays. Using examples drawn from the family of proteins that contain C-type carbohydrate-recognition domains, this review illustrates how information from the arrays reflects the way that selectivity and affinity for glycan ligands is achieved. A range of binding profiles is observed, from very restricted binding to a small set of structurally similar ligands to binding of broad classes of ligands with related terminal sugars and even to failure to bind any of the glycans on an array. These outcomes provide insights into the importance of multiple factors in defining the selectivity of these receptors, including the presence of conformationally defined units in some oligosaccharide ligands, local and extended interactions between glycans and the surfaces of receptors, and steric factors that exclude binding of some ligands.

Structural studies of langerin and Birbeck granule: a macromolecular organization model

Dendritic cells, a sentinel immunity cell lineage, include different cell subsets that express various C-type lectins. For example, epidermal Langerhans cells express langerin, and some dermal dendritic cells express DC-SIGN. Langerin is a crucial component of Birbeck granules, the Langerhans cell hallmark organelle, and may have a preventive role toward HIV, by its internalization into Birbeck granules. Since langerin carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) is crucial for HIV interaction and Birbeck granule formation, we produced the CRD of human langerin and solved its structure at 1.5 A resolution. On this basis gp120 high-mannose oligosaccharide binding has been evaluated by molecular modeling. Hydrodynamic studies reveal a very elongated shape of recombinant langerin extracellular domain (ECD). A molecular model of the langerin ECD, integrating the CRD structure, has been generated and validated by comparison with hydrodynamic parameters. In parallel, Langerhans cells were isolated from human skin. From their analysis by electron microscopy and the langerin ECD model, an ultrastructural organization is proposed for Birbeck granules. To delineate the role of the different langerin domains in Birbeck granule formation, we generated truncated and mutated langerin constructs. After transfection into a fibroblastic cell line, we highlighted, in accordance with our model, the role of the CRD in the membrane zipping occurring in BG formation as well as some contribution of the cytoplasmic domain. Finally, we have shown that langerin ECD triggering with a specific mAb promotes global rearrangements of LC morphology. Our results open the way to the definition of a new membrane deformation mechanism.

Quantitative glycomics from fluidic glycan microarrays

A hallmark of cell-surface processes involving glycans is their multivalent interaction with glycan binding proteins (GBPs). Such a multivalent interaction depends critically on the mobility and density of signaling molecules on the membrane surface. While glycan microarrays have been used in exploring multivalent interactions, the lack of mobility and the difficulty in controlling surface density both limit their quantitative applications. Here we apply a fluidic glycan microarray, with glycan density varying for orders of magnitude, to profile cell surface interaction using a model system, the adhesion of Escherichia coli to mannose. We show the quantitative determination of monovalent and multivalent adhesion channels; the latter can be inhibited by nanopartices presenting a high density of mannosyl groups. These results reveal a new E. coli adhesion mechanism: the switching in the FimH adhesion protein avidity from monovalent to multivalent as the density of mobile mannosyl groups increases; such avidity switching enhances binding affinity and triggers multiple fimbriae anchoring. Affinity enhancement toward FimH has only been observed before for oligo-mannose due to the turn on of secondary interactions outside the mannose binding pocket. We suggest that the new mechanism revealed by the fluidic microarray is of general significance to cell surface interactions: the dynamic clustering of simple sugar groups (homogeneous or heterogeneous) on the fluidic membrane surface may simulate the functions of complex glycan molecules.

Role of phosphatidylinositol mannosides in the interaction between mycobacteria and DC-SIGN

The C-type lectin dendritic cell (DC)-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is the major receptor on DCs for mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Recently, we have shown that although the mannose caps of the mycobacterial surface glycolipid lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) are essential for the binding to DC-SIGN, genetic removal of these caps did not diminish the interaction of whole mycobacteria with DC-SIGN and DCs. Here we investigated the role of the structurally related glycolipids phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIMs) as possible ligands for DC-SIGN. In a binding assay with both synthetic and natural PIMs, DC-SIGN exhibited a high affinity for hexamannosylated PIM(6), which contains terminal alpha(1-->2)-linked mannosyl residues identical to the mannose cap on ManLAM, but not for di- and tetramannosylated PIM(2) and PIM(4), respectively. To determine the role of PIM(6) in the binding of whole mycobacteria to DC-SIGN, a mutant strain of M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin deficient in the production of PIM(6) (Delta pimE) was created, as well as a double knockout deficient in the production of both PIM(6) and the mannose caps on LAM (Delta pimE Delta capA). Compared to the wild-type strain, both mutant strains bound similarly well to DC-SIGN and DCs. Furthermore, the wild-type and mutant strains induced comparable levels of interleukin-10 and interleukin-12p40 when used to stimulate DCs. Hence, we conclude that, like ManLAM, PIM(6) represents a bona fide DC-SIGN ligand but that other, as-yet-unknown, ligands dominate in the interaction between mycobacteria and DCs.

DC-SIGN neck domain is a pH-sensor controlling oligomerization: SAXS and hydrodynamic studies of extracellular domain

DC-SIGN is a C-type lectin receptor of dendritic cells and is involved in the early stages of numerous infectious diseases. DC-SIGN is organized into a tetramer enabling multivalent interaction with pathogens. Once formed, the DC-SIGN-pathogen complex can be internalized into compartments of increasing acidity. We have studied the pH dependence of the oligomerization state and conformation of the entire extracellular domain and neck region. We present evidence for equilibrium between the monomeric and tetrameric states of the extracellular domain, which exhibits a marked dependence with respect to both pH and ionic strength. Using solution x-ray scattering we have obtained a molecular envelope of the extracellular domain in which a model has been built. Our results highlight the central role of the neck domain in the pH-sensitive control of the oligomerization state, in the extended conformation of the protein, and in carbohydrate recognition domain organization and presentation. This work opens new insight into the molecular mechanism of ligand release and points to new avenues to block the first step of this important infection pathway.

High affinity interaction between a bivalve C-type lectin and a biantennary complex-type N-glycan revealed by crystallography and microcalorimetry

Codakine is an abundant 14-kDa mannose-binding C-type lectin isolated from the gills of the sea bivalve Codakia orbicularis. Binding studies using inhibition of hemagglutination indicated specificity for mannose and fucose monosaccharides. Further experiments using a glycan array demonstrated, however, a very fine specificity for N-linked biantennary complex-type glycans. An unusually high affinity was measured by titration microcalorimetry performed with a biantennary Asn-linked nonasaccharide. The crystal structure of the native lectin at 1.3A resolution revealed a new type of disulfide-bridged homodimer. Each monomer displays three intramolecular disulfide bridges and contains only one calcium ion located in the canonical binding site that is occupied by a glycerol molecule. The structure of the complex between Asn-linked nonasaccharide and codakine has been solved at 1.7A resolution. All residues could be located in the electron density map, except for the capping beta1-4-linked galactosides. The alpha1-6-linked mannose binds to calcium by coordinating the O3 and O4 hydroxyl groups. The GlcNAc moiety of the alpha1,6 arm engages in several hydrogen bonds with the protein, whereas the GlcNAc on the other antenna is stacked against Trp(108), forming an extended binding site. This is the first structural report for a bivalve lectin.

Mannose-based molecular patterns on stealth microspheres for receptor-specific targeting of human antigen-presenting cells

The targeting of antigen-presenting cells has recently gained strong attention for both targeted vaccine delivery and immunomodulation. We prepared surface-modified stealth microspheres that display various mannose-based ligands at graded ligand densities to target phagocytic C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) on human dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Decoration of microspheres with carbohydrate ligands was achieved (i) by electrostatic surface assembly of mannan onto previously formed adlayers of poly( l-lysine) (PLL) or a mix of PLL and poly( l-lysine)- graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-PEG), or (ii) through assembly of PLL-PEG equipped with small substructure mannoside ligands, such as mono- and trimannose, as terminal substitution of the PEG chains. Microspheres carrying mannoside ligands were also studied in combination with an integrin-targeting RGD peptide ligand. Because of the presence of a mannan or PEG corona, such microspheres were protected against protein adsorption and opsonization, thus allowing the formation of specific ligand-receptor interactions. Mannoside density was the major factor for the phagocytosis of mannoside-decorated microspheres, although with limited efficiency. This strengthens the recent hypothesis by other authors that the mannose receptor (MR) only acts as a phagocytic receptor when in conjunction with yet unidentified partner receptor(s). Analysis of DC surface markers for maturation revealed that neither surface-assembled mannan nor mannoside-modified surfaces on the microspheres could stimulate DC maturation. Thus, phagocytosis upon recognition by CLRs alone cannot trigger DC activation toward a T helper response. The microparticulate platform established in this work represents a promising tool for systematic investigations of specific ligand-receptor interactions upon phagocytosis, including the screening for potential ligands and ligand combinations in the context of vaccine delivery and immunomodulation.

Protein-glycan interactions in the control of innate and adaptive immune responses

The importance of protein glycosylation in the migration of immune cells throughout the body has been extensively appreciated. However, our awareness of the impact of glycosylation on the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses is relatively new. An increasing number of studies reveal the relevance of glycosylation to pathogen recognition, to the modulation of the innate immune system and to the control of immune cell homeostasis and inflammation. Similarly important is the effect of glycan-containing 'information' in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of these new directions and their impact in the field of glycoimmunology.

Docking, synthesis, and NMR studies of mannosyl trisaccharide ligands for DC-SIGN lectin

DC-SIGN, a lectin, which presents at the surface of immature dendritic cells, constitutes nowadays a promising target for the design of new antiviral drugs. This lectin recognizes highly glycosylated proteins present at the surface of several pathogens such as HIV, Ebola virus, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc. Understanding the binding mode of this lectin is a topic of tremendous interest and will permit a rational design of new and more selective ligands. Here, we present computational and experimental tools to study the interaction of di- and trisaccharides with DC-SIGN. Docking analysis of complexes involving mannosyl di- and trisaccharides and the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of DC-SIGN have been performed. Trisaccharides Manalpha1,2[Manalpha1,6]Man 1 and Manalpha1,3[Manalpha1,6]Man 2 were synthesized from an orthogonally protected mannose as a common intermediate. Using these ligands and the soluble extracellular domain (ECD) of DC-SIGN, NMR experiments based on STD and transfer-NOE were performed providing additional information. Conformational analysis of the mannosyl ligands in the free and bound states was done. These studies have demonstrated that terminal mannoses at positions 2 or 3 in the trisaccharides are the most important moiety and present the strongest contact with the binding site of the lectin. Multiple binding modes could be proposed and therefore should be considered in the design of new ligands.

Dendritic cell interaction with Candida albicans critically depends on N-linked mannan

The fungus Candida albicans is the most common cause of mycotic infections in immunocompromised hosts. Little is known about the initial interactions between Candida and immune cell receptors, because a detailed characterization at the structural level is lacking. Antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs), strategically located at mucosal surfaces and in the skin, may play an important role in anti-Candida protective immunity. However, the contribution of the various Candida-associated molecular patterns and their counter-receptors to DC function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that two C-type lectins, DC-SIGN and the macrophage mannose receptor, specifically mediate C. albicans binding and internalization by human DCs. Moreover, by combining a range of C. albicans glycosylation mutants with receptor-specific blocking and cytokine production assays, we determined that N-linked mannan but not O-linked or phosphomannan is the fungal carbohydrate structure specifically recognized by both C-type lectins on human DCs and directly influences the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Better insight in the carbohydrate recognition profile of C-type lectins will ultimately provide relevant information for the development of new drugs targeting specific fungal cell wall antigens.

Role of homozygous DC-SIGNR 5/5 tandem repeat polymorphism in HIV-1 exposed seronegative North Indian individuals

Despite multiple sexual exposures to HIV-1 virus, some individuals remain HIV-1 seronegative. Although several genetic factors have been related to HIV-1 resistance, the homozygosity for a mutation in CCR5 gene (the 32-bp deletion, i.e., CCR5-Delta32 allele) is presently considered the most relevant one. The C-type lectins, DC-SIGN (present on dendritic cells and macrophages) and DC-SIGNR (present on endothelial cells in liver and lymph nodes) efficiently bind and transmit HIV-1 to susceptible cell in trans, thereby augmenting the infection. A potential association of the DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR neck domain repeat polymorphism and risk of HIV-1 infection is currently under debate. To determine the influence of host genetic factors on HIV-1 resistance, we conducted genetic risk association study in HIV-1-exposed seronegative (n = 47) individuals, HIV-1 seronegative (n = 262) healthy control, and HIV-1-infected seropositive patients (n = 168) for polymorphism in neck domain of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR genes. The DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction method in DNA extracted from peripheral blood and confirmed by sequencing. Fisher exact or χ² test was used for static analysis. DC-SIGN genotype and allele distribution was fairly similar in HIV-1-exposed seronegative, HIV-1 seropositive, and HIV-1 seronegative control. There was no statistical significance in the differences in the distribution of DC-SIGN genotypes. A total of 13 genotypes were found in DC-SIGNR neck repeat region polymorphism. Among all the genotypes, only 5/5 homozygous showed significant reduced risk of HIV-1 infection in HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals (p = 0.009). A unique genotype 8/5 heterozygous was also found in HIV-1 seropositive individual, which is not reported elsewhere.