Mannose/glucose-binding lectins

Table VI presents comparative inhibitory data on four D-mannose(D-glucose)-binding lectins.213 Such studies are exceptionally useful in defining fine differences in the specificity of a group of lectins having similar, but not identical, sugar-binding specificity.

Examination of specific carbohydrate-protein interactions can be accomplished with C-glycosides (Scheme 1). A series of C-glucosides and C-mannosides, such as 1, were employed to study the binding differences between mannose and glucose specific lectins (9). C-Mannoside derivatives (3-5) were synthesized from C-allyl derivative 2 and used to block cell-surface lectins thereby inhibiting bacterial adhesion (JO). The primary amine of 4 was functionalized with biotin to target proteins to the bacterial cell surface. 

Carbohydrate-binding studies indicate a specificity similar to Con A the pea lectin binds mannose, glucose, fructose and L-sorbose with methyl a-mannopyranoside being the most potent inhibitor of phosphomannan-lectin precipitation [88]. 

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