Synthesis of a Gb3 derivative

What is it about?

The paper explains how to synthesize an aminooxy derivative of the Shiga toxin receptor Gb3. The trisaccharide is not only important in antibacterial development but reports have shown that a variation of the Gb3 trisaccharide is also important in cancer as a tumor antigen. With a simple modification at the reducing end, conjugation to highly immunogenic moieties, such as proteins or zwitterionic polysaccharides such as PS A1, may lead to new approaches in combating diseased states.

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Why is it important?

The work is significant because it will allow for an increased understanding of the role Gb3 has in a biological environment. This will be accomplished by facilitating and enabling the conjugation of Gb3 to other moieties that, when combined, will expedite the perturbation process in an in vitro or in vivo setting. Although the paper is mainly centered around carbohydrate-based synthesis, studies aimed at better understanding immunological roles (Ab titers and cytotoxicity) are important.