Efficient Synthesis of Six Tri- to Hexasaccharide Fragments of Shigella flexneri Serotypes 3a and/or X O-Antigen, Including a Study on Acceptors Containing N-Trichloroacetylglucosamine versus N-Acetylglucosamine

Traceability Research on Geographic Erigeron breviscapus Based on High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Chemometric Analysis

A method was developed to identify and trace the geographic sources of Erigeron breviscapus using high-resolution mass spectrometry and chemometrics. The representative samples were collected from the geographic area of Honghe Dengzhanhua and other areas in Yunnan province and Guizhou province. The data points could be determined well using the PCA and PLS-DA diagram. A total of 46 characteristic compounds were identified from Honghe Dengzhanhua and within Guizhou province, but 37 compounds were different from Honghe Dengzhanhua and other counties in Yunnan province. Two biomarkers were found from three regions. Their structures were inferred as 8-amino-7-oxononanoic acid and 8-hydroxyquinoline, and they had the same molecular composition. This may suggest that a possible synthesis pathway can be proven in the future.

Combination of 3-O-Levulinoyl and 6-O-Trifluorobenzoyl Groups Ensures α-Selectivity in Glucosylations: Synthesis of the Oligosaccharides Related to Aspergillus fumigatus α-(1 → 3)-d-Glucan

Stereospecific α-glucosylation of primary and secondary OH-group at carbohydrate acceptors is achieved using glucosyl N-phenyl-trifluoroacetimidate (PTFAI) donor protected with an electron-withdrawing 2,4,5-trifluorobenzoyl (TFB) group at O-6 and the participating levulinoyl (Lev) group at O-3. New factors have been revealed that might explain α-stereoselectivity in the case of TFB and pentafluorobenzoyl (PFB) groups at O-6. They are of conformational nature and confirmed by DFT calculations. The potential of this donor, as well as the orthogonality of TFB and Lev protecting groups, is showcased by the synthesis of α-(1 → 3)-linked pentaglucoside corresponding to Aspergillus fumigatus α-(1 → 3)-d-glucan and of its hexasaccharide derivative, bearing β-glucosamine residue at the non-reducing end.

Semisynthetic Glycoconjugate Vaccine Candidates against Escherichia coli O25B Induce Functional IgG Antibodies in Mice

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a major health concern due to emerging antibiotic resistance. Along with O1A, O2, and O6A, E. coli O25B is a major serotype within the ExPEC group, which expresses a unique O-antigen. Clinical studies with a glycoconjugate vaccine of the above-mentioned O-types revealed O25B as the least immunogenic component, inducing relatively weak IgG titers. To evaluate the immunological properties of semisynthetic glycoconjugate vaccine candidates against E. coli O25B, we here report the chemical synthesis of an initial set of five O25B glycan antigens differing in length, from one to three repeat units, and frameshifts of the repeat unit. The oligosaccharide antigens were conjugated to the carrier protein CRM₁₉₇. The resulting semisynthetic glycoconjugates induced functional IgG antibodies in mice with opsonophagocytic activity against E. coli O25B. Three of the oligosaccharide-CRM₁₉₇ conjugates elicited functional IgGs in the same order of magnitude as a conventional CRM₁₉₇ glycoconjugate prepared with native O25B O-antigen and therefore represent promising vaccine candidates for further investigation. Binding studies with two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed nanomolar anti-O25B IgG responses with nanomolar K _D values and with varying binding epitopes. The immunogenicity and mAb binding data now allow for the rational design of additional synthetic antigens for future preclinical studies, with expected further improvements in the functional antibody responses. Moreover, acetylation of a rhamnose residue was shown to be likely dispensable for immunogenicity, as a deacylated antigen was able to elicit strong functional IgG responses. Our findings strongly support the feasibility of a semisynthetic glycoconjugate vaccine against E. coli O25B.

Multigram synthesis of an orthogonally-protected pentasaccharide for use as a glycan precursor in a Shigella flexneri 3a conjugate vaccine: application to a ready-for-conjugation decasaccharide

Fine-tuned catalytic processes facilitating regio- and stereoselective conversions for the large-scale synthesis of a pentasaccharide and its oligomerization into ready-for-conjugation haptens.

Detailed Investigation of the Immunodominant Role of O-Antigen Stoichiometric O-Acetylation as Revealed by Chemical Synthesis, Immunochemistry, Solution Conformation and STD-NMR Spectroscopy for Shigella flexneri 3a

Shigella flexneri 3a causes bacillary dysentery. Its O-antigen has the {2)-[α-d-Glcp-(1→3)]-α-l-Rhap-(1→2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→3)-[Ac→2]-α-l-Rhap-(1→3)-[Ac→6]≈40 % -β-d-GlcpNAc-(1→} ([(E)ABAc CAc D]) repeating unit, and the non-O-acetylated equivalent defines S. flexneri X. Propyl hepta-, octa-, and decasaccharides sharing the (E')A'BAc CD(E)A sequence, and their non-O-acetylated analogues were synthesized from a fully protected BAc CD(E)A allyl glycoside. The stepwise introduction of orthogonally protected mono- and disaccharide imidate donors was followed by a two-step deprotection process. Monoclonal antibody binding to twenty-six S. flexneri types 3a and X di- to decasaccharides was studied by an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and STD-NMR spectroscopy. Epitope mapping revealed that the 2C -acetate dominated the recognition by monoclonal IgG and IgM antibodies and that the BAc CD segment was essential for binding. The glucosyl side chain contributed to a lesser extent, albeit increasingly with the chain length. Moreover, tr-NOESY analysis also showed interaction but did not reveal any meaningful conformational change upon antibody binding.

Non-stoichiometric O-acetylation of Shigella flexneri 2a O-specific polysaccharide: synthesis and antigenicity

Synthetic functional mimics of the O-antigen from Shigella flexneri 2a are seen as promising vaccine components against endemic shigellosis. Herein, the influence of the polysaccharide non-stoichiometric di-O-acetylation on antigenicity is addressed for the first time. Three decasaccharides, representing relevant internal mono- and di-O-acetylation profiles of the O-antigen, were synthesized from a pivotal protected decasaccharide designed to tailor late stage site-selective O-acetylation. The latter was obtained via a convergent route involving the imidate glycosylation chemistry. Binding studies to five protective mIgGs showed that none of the acetates adds significantly to broad antibody recognition. Yet, one of the five antibodies had a unique pattern of binding. With IC50 in the micromolar to submicromolar range mIgG F22-4 exemplifies a remarkable tight binding antibody against diversely O-acetylated and non-O-acetylated fragments of a neutral polysaccharide of medical importance.

Orthoesters formation leading to mismatched Helferich glycosylations at O-3 of N-trichloroacetylated glucosamine residues

Using trisaccharide diol acceptors displaying two glucosamine residues free at O-3, we observed that α-l-fucosylation with α armed donor proceeded smoothly at the most accessible N-trichloroacetyl nonreducing end glucosamine residue. In contrast, glycosylations with peracetylated glycosyl bromide donors activated under Helferich conditions seemed to proceed preferentially or exclusively at the more sterically hindered N-acetylated reducing end unit. Thus, we concluded that disarmed donors were mismatched at O-3 of the N-trichloroacetylated glucosamine residue regardless of α or β configuration of the glycosidic bond formed and d or l configuration of the donor. Interestingly orthoester formation occurred in some cases at this position while they were not observed at the reducing end unit. Conversion of the nonreducing end trichloroacetamido to an acetamido allowed the Helferich catalyzed galactosylation to occur at both positions and revealed the impact of the N-trichloroacetamido on the mismatched glycosylations. Changing the activation conditions from the mild Lewis acid Hg(CN)2 to the stronger acid AgOTf revealed that in fact β-d-galactosylation at the less hindered N-trichloroacetylated residue was kinetically favored over that at the reducing end residue. Isolation of equal amounts of orthoester at this position suggested that it was formed first but that the strong AgOTf Lewis acid was able to promote rearrangement to the β-d-galactosidic bond. These results shed additional light on the apparent mismatch of disarmed glycosyl donors with hydroxyl groups deemed more accessible. Depending on electronic factors imposed by the acceptor and activation conditions, transient unstable orthoester formation may explain in some cases why these donors appear mismatched with the most accessible hydroxyl groups which are otherwise glycosylated by armed donors.

Investigation on the Synthesis of Shigella flexneri Specific Oligosaccharides Using Disaccharides as Potential Transglucosylase Acceptor Substrates

Chemo-enzymatic strategies hold great potential for the development of stereo- and regioselective syntheses of structurally defined bioactive oligosaccharides. Herein, we illustrate the potential of the appropriate combination of a planned chemo-enzymatic pathway and an engineered biocatalyst for the multistep synthesis of an important decasaccharide for vaccine development. We report the stepwise investigation, which led to an efficient chemical conversion of allyl α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-deoxy-2-trichloroacetamido-β-d-glucopyranoside, the product of site-specific enzymatic α-d-glucosylation of a lightly protected non-natural disaccharide acceptor, into a pentasaccharide building block suitable for chain elongation at both ends. Successful differentiation between hydroxyl groups features the selective acylation of primary alcohols and acetalation of a cis-vicinal diol, followed by a controlled per-O-benzylation step. Moreover, we describe the successful use of the pentasaccharide intermediate in the [5 + 5] synthesis of an aminoethyl aglycon-equipped decasaccharide, corresponding to a dimer of the basic repeating unit from the O-specific polysaccharide of Shigella flexneri 2a, a major cause of bacillary dysentery. Four analogues of the disaccharide acceptor were synthesized and evaluated to reach a larger repertoire of O-glucosylation patterns encountered among S. flexneri type-specific polysaccharides. New insights on the potential and limitations of planned chemo-enzymatic pathways in oligosaccharide synthesis are provided.

Programmed chemo-enzymatic synthesis of the oligosaccharide component of a carbohydrate-based antibacterial vaccine candidate

The powerful chemo-enzymatic synthesis of the pentadecasaccharide hapten involved in the first synthetic carbohydrate-based vaccine candidate against endemic shigellosis is reported.

Synthesis of the zwitterionic repeating unit of the O-antigen from Shigella sonnei and chain elongation at both ends

Shigella sonnei O-antigen features a zwitterionic disaccharide repeat encompassing two rare monosaccharides. The synthesis of the AB repeat and of trisaccharides ABA' and B'AB, which validates chain elongation at either end, is reported. All targets were synthesized using a postglycosylation oxidation strategy in combination with imidate chemistry. Precursors to residue A were obtained from L-glucose. The AAT (B) donor and acceptor were obtained from D-glucosamine. A one-step Pd(OH)2/C-mediated deprotection provided the propyl glycoside targets.

CGTase-catalysed cis-glucosylation of L-rhamnosides for the preparation of Shigella flexneri 2a and 3a haptens

We report the enzymatic synthesis of α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside by using a wild-type transglucosidase in combination with glucoamylase and glucose oxidase. It was shown that Bacillus circulans 251 cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.1.4.19) can efficiently couple an α-L-rhamnosyl acceptor to a maltodextrin molecule with an α-(1→4) linkage, albeit in mixture with the α-(1→3) regioisomer, thus giving two glucosylated acceptors in a single reaction. Optimisation of the CGTase coupling reaction with β-cyclodextrin as the donor substrate and methyl or allyl α-L-rhamnopyranoside as acceptors resulted in good conversion yields (42-70%) with adjustable glycosylation regioselectivity. Moreover, the efficient chemical conversion of the products of CGTase-mediated cis-glucosylation into protected building blocks (previously used in the synthesis of O-antigen fragments of several Shigella flexneri serotypes) was substantiated. These novel chemoenzymatic strategies towards useful, convenient intermediates in the synthesis of S. flexneri serotypes 2a and 3a oligosaccharides might find applications in developments towards synthetic carbohydrate-based vaccine candidates against bacillary dysentery.

Linear synthesis of the branched pentasaccharide repeats of O-antigens from Shigella flexneri 1a and 1b demonstrating the major steric hindrance associated with type-specific glucosylation

Shigella flexneri serotypes 1b and 1a are Gram-negative enteroinvasive bacteria causing shigellosis in humans.

Challenging deprotection steps during the synthesis of tetra- and pentasaccharide fragments of the Le(a)Le(x) tumor-associated hexasaccharide antigen

We report the convergent synthesis of two novel tetrasaccharide and two novel pentasaccharide fragments of the Le(a)Le(x) TACA: the tetrasaccharides contain neither the galactose at the Le(a) nonreducing end nor the fucose at the Le(x) reducing end; the pentasaccharides only lack the galactose residue at the Le(a) nonreducing end. Two of the analogues were prepared as hexyl glycosides to be used in NMR experiments and as soluble inhibitors in binding studies and two as 6-aminohexyl glycosides to be conjugated to carrier proteins. Our strategy relied on stepwise extensions using excess monosaccharide glycosyl donors (trichloroacetimidates and thioglycosides) in sequential glycosylation reactions. The protecting groups were chosen to limit the number of deprotection steps required to obtain the final derivatives. While this strategy ensured that all glycosylation reactions proceeded in very good yields (70-84%), deprotection of the oligosaccharide intermediates was challenging. Global deprotection using Birch metal dissolving conditions did not remove the tert-butyldiphenylsilyl group, which indeed was incompatible with such reaction conditions. Attempts to remove the TBDPS with tetrabutylammonium fluoride was unsuccessful and led to a complex mixture of compounds that could not be separated. The desired hexyl and aminohexyl tetrasaccharides were finally obtained after four- and five-step deprotection sequences, respectively. Deprotection of the pentasaccharide intermediate to give the hexyl and aminohexyl analogues also led to unexpected results. Indeed, during Zemplén deacylation, a chloroacetamide chlorine atom was displaced by methoxide ions leading to the corresponding methoxyacetamide. Once the chloroacetamide was fully reduced to an acetamide the pentasaccharides were obtained in four and five steps, respectively.