Selective Monovalent Galectin-8 Ligands Based on 3-Lactoylgalactoside.

Galectin-8 has gained attention as a potential new pharmacological target for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and disorders associated with bone mass reduction. To that end, new molecular probes are needed in order to better understand its role and its functions. Herein we aimed to improve the affinity and target selectivity of a recently published galectin-8 ligand, 3-O-[1-carboxyethyl]-ß-d-galactopyranoside, by introducing modifications at positions 1 and 3 of the galactose. Affinity data measured by fluorescence polarization show that the most potent compound reached a KD of 12 µM. Furthermore, reasonable selectivity versus other galectins was achieved, making the highlighted compound a promising lead for the development of new selective and potent ligands for galectin-8 as molecular probes to examine the protein's role in cell-based and in vivo studies.

A Potent Mimetic of the Siglec-8 Ligand 6'-Sulfo-Sialyl Lewisx.

Siglecs are members of the immunoglobulin gene family containing sialic acid binding N-terminal domains. Among them, Siglec-8 is expressed on various cell types of the immune system such as eosinophils, mast cells and weakly on basophils. Cross-linking of Siglec-8 with monoclonal antibodies triggers apoptosis in eosinophils and inhibits degranulation of mast cells, making Siglec-8 a promising target for the treatment of eosinophil- and mast cell-associated diseases such as asthma. The tetrasaccharide 6'-sulfo-sialyl Lewisx has been identified as a specific Siglec-8 ligand in glycan array screening. Here, we describe an extended study enlightening the pharmacophores of 6'-sulfo-sialyl Lewisx and the successful development of a high-affinity mimetic. Retaining the neuraminic acid core, the introduction of a carbocyclic mimetic of the Gal moiety and a sulfonamide substituent in the 9-position gave a 20-fold improved binding affinity. Finally, the residence time, which usually is the Achilles tendon of carbohydrate/lectin interactions, could be improved.