Sialyl Lewis X analogs

1 month - December 2000

Association between sialyl Lewis X (^SLe X, scheme)  and  E-selectine receptor is a key step in the  inflammation process. Cells under stress overexpress  those  receptors  on their surface while leucocytes  possess  glycoproteins  terminated by a ^SLe X motive.  The  interaction permits to  slow leucocytes down in the  inflammated zone resulting  in a better mobilisation of  the defense elements.

Synthesis of ^SLe X analogs or mimes is therefore of great importance. The first application would be in the treatment of chronical inflammations where those molecules could serve as "lures", diminushing the affinity between leucocytes and E-selectines. They could also be exploited as targeting agents in gene therapy or anti cancer treatments, to deliver the product to abnormal cells which overexpress E-selectines.

 Following the work produced by Wong or Kondo, we tried and synthesized new structures as potent ^SLe X mimes.

To know more, visit the web page of the group       UMR 176, Institut Curie, Paris, FRANCE

Supervisor : Dr. Michel AZOULAY

Director of the Laboratory : Jean-Claude FLORENT.