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Sulfated carbohydrate compounds prevent microbial adherence by sexually transmitted disease pathogens
B C Herold1, A Siston, J Bremer
1Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637-1470, USA. bherold@midway.uchicago.edu
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Sulfated compounds that mimic heparan sulfate (HS) can block infections from viruses and bacteria. These compounds show promise for preventing sexually transmitted diseases in new vaginal formulations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Heparan sulfate (HS) is a crucial cell surface proteoglycan.
- HS acts as a primary attachment receptor for various human pathogens.
- Pathogens like herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HIV utilize HS for host cell entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify compounds that inhibit pathogen adherence to HS.
- To explore the potential of these compounds in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized primary human cell culture systems.
- Screened for sulfated carbohydrate compounds with HS-like properties.
- Assessed the competitive inhibitory effects of identified compounds on pathogen infection.
Main Results:
- Identified specific sulfated carbohydrate compounds that structurally mimic heparan sulfate.
- Demonstrated that these compounds effectively inhibit the adherence and subsequent infection by HS-dependent pathogens.
- Showcased competitive inhibition of herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.
Conclusions:
- Sulfated carbohydrate compounds resembling HS can act as effective inhibitors of pathogen binding.
- These compounds represent a novel strategy for developing microbicides.
- Potential for intravaginal formulations to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.