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 manipulate immune cells to suppress immunity and further facilitate infection. Thus understanding the mechanism underlying such specific recognition and cellular function regulation holds great promises to develop novel treatment strategies against infectious diseases. Moreover, the new immune modulating ability 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 the 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 our example papers: Angew. Chem. It. Ed. 2006, 55, 4738; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 11833). We will further collaborate with clinicians to exploit such glycan-nanostructures for potential therapeutic applications.
Ideally, the candidate will have a strong background in organic chemistry and/or chemical biology. A good knowledge of protein chemistry and/or nanotechnology methods will be advantageous. Motivation, creativity and excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively are highly desirable.