Bioinspired glycan-nanoparticles as multifunctional mechanistic probes for virus-dendritic cell interactions

Pathogens such as HIV, mycobacteria can bind specifically to host cell surface lectins via their surface specific glycan patterns to initiate infection. Such binding can also manipulate immune cells to suppress immune activation to facilitate infection. Understanding the mechanism underlying specific lectin recognition and cellular function regulation thus holds great promises to novel treatment strategies against infectious diseases. Moreover, the new immune modulating ability (specifically activate or suppress immunity) will help treat cancer, allergy and chronic autoimmune diseases.

This project will develop novel glycan-nanostructures as pathogen mimics to investigate how glycan structures and their presentation patterns control their ability to target dendritic cell lectin DC-SIGN and modulate its immune function. We will exploit nanoparticles’ unique physico-/chemical properties to develop novel multimodal readout techniques to facilitate this investigation (see example papers: Angew. Chem. 2006, 55, 4738; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 11833). We will also collaborate with clinicians to exploit such glycan-nanostructures for potential therapeutic applications.

Ideally, the candidate will have a strong background in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology or cell biology. A good knowledge of protein biochemistry, nano-chemistry and/or cell biology methods will be advantageous. Motivation, creativity, excellent communication and team working skills are highly desirable.