Inhibition of bacterial adhesion to live human cells: Activity and cytotoxicity of synthetic mannosides

Bacterial adhesion to glycosylated surfaces is a key issue in human health and disease. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion by suitable carbohydrates could lead to an anti-adhesion therapy as a novel approach against bacterial infections. A selection of five alpha-mannosides has been evaluated as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion to the polysaccharide mannan, as well as to the surface of live human HT-29 cells. Cell toxicity studies were performed to identify the therapeutic window for a potential in vivo-application of the tested carbohydrates. A previously published mannosidic squaric acid diamide was shown to be exceptionally effective as inhibitor of the bacterial lectin FimH. (c) 2012 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.