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In the present study, we investigated the functional differences between cluster of differentiation (CD)14++CD16- and CD14+CD16+ monocytes during anti-Candida host defense. CD14++CD16- are the "classical" monocytes and represent the majority of circulating monocytes in humans, while CD14+CD16+ monocytes patrol the vasculature for maintenance of tissue integrity and repair. Both monocyte subsets inhibited the germination of live Candida albicans, and there was no difference in their capacity to phagocytose and kill Candida. Although production of IL-6 and IL-10 induced by C. albicans was found to be similar between monocyte subsets, IL-1β and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was higher in CD14++CD16- compared with CD14+CD16+ monocytes. In line with the increased production of IL-1β and PGE2, central mediators for inducing Th17 responses, CD14++CD16- monocytes induced greater Th17 responses upon stimulation with heat-killed C. albicans yeast. The percentage of cells that expressed mannose receptor (MR) was higher in the CD14++CD16- monocyte subset, and MR-specific stimulation induced higher Th17 responses only in co-cultures of CD14++CD16- monocytes and CD4 lymphocytes. In conclusion, both monocyte subsets have potent innate antifungal properties, but only CD14++CD16- monocytes are capable of inducing a potent Th17 response to C. albicans, an important component of antifungal host defense.

Cell surface carbohydrates play an important role in a wide variety of biological processes such as inflammation, tumor metastasis, and viral and bacterial infection. The goal of our research has been two-fold. The first objective was the synthesis of antimycobacterial compounds. A mannose containing tetrasaccharide from the mannan core of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been synthesized using α-D-methylmannopyranoside as starting material and Koeings-Knorr reactions to couple saccharides. The synthesis was completed in nine steps and in 14% total yield. This compound should be useful in competitive inhibition studies with macrophages or as an immunological marker. We have successfully synthesized nonsulfated mimics of the aminosterol antibiotic from 5α-cholestan-3-one in two steps in 40-70% total yield. The critical step in this synthesis is the addition of the boronic acid functional group using 2-o-formylphenylboronic acid. It is hypothesized that the addition of boronic acids will improve the antibacterial and anti-angiogenic activity of these compounds. The second objective was the synthesis of a simple fluorescent receptor for simple carbohydrates. A receptor using anthracene as the fluorophore has been completed demonstrating an improved yield over previous methods. This receptor is the first to show selectivity for myo-inositol over other saccharides.

Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η αποσαφήνιση των μηχανισμών με τους οποίους η P.aeruginosa διαντιδρά με τους PRRs των μακροφάγων. Από τα δεδομένα μας οι υποδοχείς TLR2 και Mannose receptor συνεργάζονται προς μέγιστη ενεργοποίηση των μακροφάγων σε απάντηση στη λοίμωξη από P.aeruginosa / The aim of the study was to delineate the mechanisms of P.aeruginosa interaction with specific PRRs on macrophages. Our data suggest that TLR2 and Mannose receptor synergize for maximum activation of human macrophages during Pseudomonas infection.

Une nouvelle voie d’immunomodulation, l’induction de l’arginase par les trypanosomes chez leurs hôtes, a été identifiée et caractérisée. Pour éviter la réponse cytotoxique de l’activation « classique » M1 des macrophages et bénéficier de leur activation « alternative » M2, les parasites induisent l’arginase, qui produit la L-ornithine, indispensable à leur développement. Cette voie d’immunomodulation mise en évidence chez la souris infestée par son parasite naturel, Trypanosoma musculi, est également présente dans d’autres trypanosomoses, en particulier la trypanosomose humaine africaine (THA). Une augmentation de l’arginase, retrouvée dans le sérum de patients trypanosomés, se normalise après un traitement efficace. T. brucei gambiense, parasite de l’homme, induit l’arginase au niveau des macrophages murins et des leucocytes humains. T. lewisi, parasite du rat, induit également l’arginase. Au cours de leur longue coévolution avec leurs hôtes, les trypanosomes extracellulaires ont sélectionné un procédé favorisant leur croissance, l’induction de l’arginase, par des facteurs d’excrétion/sécrétion. Nous avons produit un anticorps monoclonal dirigé contre ce facteur inducteur. Il bloque l’induction de l’arginase par T. musculi in vitro et in vivo. Chez la souris infectée, son injection diminue considérablement la parasitémie. Il a permis l’identification du facteur inducteur, une kinésine orpheline. Cet anticorps, inhibant l’induction de l’arginase par différents trypanosomes, reconnaîtrait une région conservée de la kinésine induisant l’arginase. Cette kinésine se lie à des récepteurs de la membrane des macrophages. In vitro, l’addition de mannose à des co-cultures macrophages-parasites bloque l’induction de l’arginase et la multiplication des parasites. Chez la souris infestée par T. musculi, l’injection de mannose diminue la parasitémie, qui est également réduite chez les souris Mrc1-/-, KO pour le récepteur mannose. L’utilisation de molécules ciblant la voie inductrice de l’arginase et/ou ce récepteur peut représenter une nouvelle approche thérapeutique dans les trypanosomoses. / Arginase induction, a mechanism of immunomodulation elaborated by trypanosomes has been identified. To avoid cytotoxic classical M1 macrophage activation, trypanosomes induce alternative M2 macrophage activation, which leads to L-ornithine production, essential for parasite growth. This immunomodulation pathway has been evidenced in a natural murine trypanosomiasis provoked by Trypanosoma musculi. This mechanism is also evidenced in human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). An increase in serum arginase is measured in HAT patients. A return to normal values is obtained after an efficacious treatment. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the causative agent of HAT, induces arginase in mouse macrophages and human leucocytes. T. lewisi, a rat parasite, also induces macrophage arginase.During host-parasite co-evolution, extracellular trypanosomes have selected a growth promoting mechanism, macrophage arginase induction by excreted secreted factor (ESF). We have produced a monoclonal antibody which inhibits trypanosome-induced arginase. This antibody blocks in vitro and in vivo T. musculi-induced arginase. Its injection into infected mice provokes a decrease in parasite load. This monoclonal antibody has allowed the identification of an orphan kinesin as the arginase inducing factor. The arginase inducing region of kinesin seems conserved among extracellular trypanosomes. Kinesin binds to macrophage membrane receptors. In vitro, addition of mannose to macrophage-parasite cocultures blocks arginase induction and parasite multiplication. Mannose injection decreases parasite load in infected mice. Compared to WT mice, parasite load is highly reduced in infected Mrc1 -/- KO mice. In trypanosomiasis, molecules targeting arginase pathway and/or mannose receptor, highly conserved in evolution, might represent new therapeutic approaches.

Bacterial biofilms represent a challenge to the healthcare system because of their resilience against antimicrobials and immune attack. Biofilms consist of bacterial aggregates embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composed of polysaccharides, nucleic acids and proteins. We hypothesised that carbohydrates could contribute to immune recognition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by engaging C-type lectins. Here we show binding of Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin (DC-SIGN, CD209), mannose receptor (MR, CD206) and Dectin-2 to P. aeruginosa biofilms. We also demonstrate that DC-SIGN, unlike MR and Dectin-2, recognises planktonic P. aeruginosa cultures and this interaction depends on the presence of the common polysaccharide antigen. Within biofilms DC-SIGN, Dectin-2 and MR ligands appear as discrete clusters with dispersed DC-SIGN ligands also found among bacterial aggregates. DC-SIGN, MR and Dectin-2 bind to carbohydrates purified from P. aeruginosa biofilms, particularly the high molecular weight fraction (HMW; >132,000 Da), with Ks in the nM range. These HMW carbohydrates contain 74.9-80.9% mannose, display α-mannan segments, interfere with the endocytic activity of cell-associated DC-SIGN and MR and inhibit Dectin-2-mediated cellular activation. In addition, biofilm carbohydrates reduce the association of the DC-SIGN ligand Lewis, but not fucose, to human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs), and alter moDC morphology without affecting early cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide or P. aeruginosa cultures. This work identifies the presence of ligands for three important C-type lectins within P. aeruginosa biofilm structures and purified biofilm carbohydrates and highlights the potential for these receptors to impact immunity to P. aeruginosa infection.

The immune system often recognises tumour cells and infectious agents from the unique peptides found on their surfaces therefore, synthetic peptides of similar structure can be used as vaccines to stimulate the immune system. Despite the problems associated with proteolysis and delivery to the immune system, peptide-based vaccines have enormous potential due to their ease of synthesis and purification. The aim of this research was to synthesise ligands for mannose receptors (MRs) that are found on human Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), for use in synthetic vaccines. Carbohydrate bearing antigens are recognised by MRs which play an important role in binding antigens, migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and interaction of DCs with lymphocytes. Hence, incorporation of a sugar residue into a peptide chain can be used to enhance antigen presentation. This thesis describes the synthesis of fluorescein labelled O-mannosylated peptides using either manual or microwave assisted solid phase glycopeptide synthesis (SPGS) on pre-loaded WANG resin. The mannosylated peptides thus prepared can be tested for their ability to bind mannose receptors on human APCs in vitro. In order to prepare compounds that could be analysed in biological screens, a fluorescent label (5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) was introduced into the glycopeptides via the Nα- or the Nε-amino group of the lysine residue. It was found that preparation of the glycopeptide was more facile when the peptide chain was built onto the Nε of Lys (label into Nα) rather than onto the Nα of Lys (label into Nε). In order to overcome problems experienced when introducing more than one glycosylated building block into the peptide chain, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker was employed as a sugar carrier. It was found that mono- and dimannosylated building blocks attached to PEG carrier were incorporated more easily into the peptide chain compared to mono- and dimannosylated serine units. Importantly, microwave technology (CEM Liberty microwave peptide synthesiser) was used for SPGS which resulted in improved purity and yields of the glycopeptides thus prepared with a significant reduction in reaction times. The first fifteen glycopeptides prepared in the present study were tested for binding to mannose receptors. Several compounds have shown improved binding to monocytes (bear MRs) in comparison to lymphocytes (do not bear MRs), in the presence of calcium ions. Calcium dependent binding is specific for C type lectin receptor family that MRs belong to. Five remaining glycopeptides are currently undergoing biological evaluation.

The immune system often recognises tumour cells and infectious agents from the unique peptides found on their surfaces therefore, synthetic peptides of similar structure can be used as vaccines to stimulate the immune system. Despite the problems associated with proteolysis and delivery to the immune system, peptide-based vaccines have enormous potential due to their ease of synthesis and purification. The aim of this research was to synthesise ligands for mannose receptors (MRs) that are found on human Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), for use in synthetic vaccines. Carbohydrate bearing antigens are recognised by MRs which play an important role in binding antigens, migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and interaction of DCs with lymphocytes. Hence, incorporation of a sugar residue into a peptide chain can be used to enhance antigen presentation. This thesis describes the synthesis of fluorescein labelled O-mannosylated peptides using either manual or microwave assisted solid phase glycopeptide synthesis (SPGS) on pre-loaded WANG resin. The mannosylated peptides thus prepared can be tested for their ability to bind mannose receptors on human APCs in vitro. In order to prepare compounds that could be analysed in biological screens, a fluorescent label (5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) was introduced into the glycopeptides via the Nα- or the Nε-amino group of the lysine residue. It was found that preparation of the glycopeptide was more facile when the peptide chain was built onto the Nε of Lys (label into Nα) rather than onto the Nα of Lys (label into Nε). In order to overcome problems experienced when introducing more than one glycosylated building block into the peptide chain, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker was employed as a sugar carrier. It was found that mono- and dimannosylated building blocks attached to PEG carrier were incorporated more easily into the peptide chain compared to mono- and dimannosylated serine units. Importantly, microwave technology (CEM Liberty microwave peptide synthesiser) was used for SPGS which resulted in improved purity and yields of the glycopeptides thus prepared with a significant reduction in reaction times. The first fifteen glycopeptides prepared in the present study were tested for binding to mannose receptors. Several compounds have shown improved binding to monocytes (bear MRs) in comparison to lymphocytes (do not bear MRs), in the presence of calcium ions. Calcium dependent binding is specific for C type lectin receptor family that MRs belong to. Five remaining glycopeptides are currently undergoing biological evaluation.

The immune system often recognises tumour cells and infectious agents from the unique peptides found on their surfaces therefore, synthetic peptides of similar structure can be used as vaccines to stimulate the immune system. Despite the problems associated with proteolysis and delivery to the immune system, peptide-based vaccines have enormous potential due to their ease of synthesis and purification. The aim of this research was to synthesise ligands for mannose receptors (MRs) that are found on human Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), for use in synthetic vaccines. Carbohydrate bearing antigens are recognised by MRs which play an important role in binding antigens, migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and interaction of DCs with lymphocytes. Hence, incorporation of a sugar residue into a peptide chain can be used to enhance antigen presentation. This thesis describes the synthesis of fluorescein labelled O-mannosylated peptides using either manual or microwave assisted solid phase glycopeptide synthesis (SPGS) on pre-loaded WANG resin. The mannosylated peptides thus prepared can be tested for their ability to bind mannose receptors on human APCs in vitro. In order to prepare compounds that could be analysed in biological screens, a fluorescent label (5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) was introduced into the glycopeptides via the Nα- or the Nε-amino group of the lysine residue. It was found that preparation of the glycopeptide was more facile when the peptide chain was built onto the Nε of Lys (label into Nα) rather than onto the Nα of Lys (label into Nε). In order to overcome problems experienced when introducing more than one glycosylated building block into the peptide chain, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker was employed as a sugar carrier. It was found that mono- and dimannosylated building blocks attached to PEG carrier were incorporated more easily into the peptide chain compared to mono- and dimannosylated serine units. Importantly, microwave technology (CEM Liberty microwave peptide synthesiser) was used for SPGS which resulted in improved purity and yields of the glycopeptides thus prepared with a significant reduction in reaction times. The first fifteen glycopeptides prepared in the present study were tested for binding to mannose receptors. Several compounds have shown improved binding to monocytes (bear MRs) in comparison to lymphocytes (do not bear MRs), in the presence of calcium ions. Calcium dependent binding is specific for C type lectin receptor family that MRs belong to. Five remaining glycopeptides are currently undergoing biological evaluation.

The immune system often recognises tumour cells and infectious agents from the unique peptides found on their surfaces therefore, synthetic peptides of similar structure can be used as vaccines to stimulate the immune system. Despite the problems associated with proteolysis and delivery to the immune system, peptide-based vaccines have enormous potential due to their ease of synthesis and purification. The aim of this research was to synthesise ligands for mannose receptors (MRs) that are found on human Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), for use in synthetic vaccines. Carbohydrate bearing antigens are recognised by MRs which play an important role in binding antigens, migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and interaction of DCs with lymphocytes. Hence, incorporation of a sugar residue into a peptide chain can be used to enhance antigen presentation. This thesis describes the synthesis of fluorescein labelled O-mannosylated peptides using either manual or microwave assisted solid phase glycopeptide synthesis (SPGS) on pre-loaded WANG resin. The mannosylated peptides thus prepared can be tested for their ability to bind mannose receptors on human APCs in vitro. In order to prepare compounds that could be analysed in biological screens, a fluorescent label (5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) was introduced into the glycopeptides via the Nα- or the Nε-amino group of the lysine residue. It was found that preparation of the glycopeptide was more facile when the peptide chain was built onto the Nε of Lys (label into Nα) rather than onto the Nα of Lys (label into Nε). In order to overcome problems experienced when introducing more than one glycosylated building block into the peptide chain, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker was employed as a sugar carrier. It was found that mono- and dimannosylated building blocks attached to PEG carrier were incorporated more easily into the peptide chain compared to mono- and dimannosylated serine units. Importantly, microwave technology (CEM Liberty microwave peptide synthesiser) was used for SPGS which resulted in improved purity and yields of the glycopeptides thus prepared with a significant reduction in reaction times. The first fifteen glycopeptides prepared in the present study were tested for binding to mannose receptors. Several compounds have shown improved binding to monocytes (bear MRs) in comparison to lymphocytes (do not bear MRs), in the presence of calcium ions. Calcium dependent binding is specific for C type lectin receptor family that MRs belong to. Five remaining glycopeptides are currently undergoing biological evaluation.