Abstract

Multi-arm constructs were synthesized and used in three different contexts, all involving pathogenic bacteria. Glycodendrimers containing either the GM1os ligand or its greatly simplified relative galactose, were found to be very strong cholera toxin inhibitors, especially at higher valencies. Related glycodendrimers containing the galabiose epitope were strong inhibitors of the adhesion of the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus suis. Finally, a synthetic vaccine against Bordetella pertussis was prepared by conjugating three different relevant peptidic epitopes to a single scaffold.