Design of Glycopolymers for Controlling the Interactions with Lectins

Carbohydrates are involved in life activities through the interactions with their corresponding proteins (lectins). Pathogen infection and the regulation of cell activity are controlled by the binding between lectins and glycoconjugates on cell surfaces. A deeper understanding of the interactions of glycoconjugates has led to the development of therapeutic and preventive methods for infectious diseases. Glycopolymer is one of the classes of the materials present multiple carbohydrates. The properties of glycopolymers can be tuned through the molecular design of the polymer structures. This review focuses on research over the past decade on the design of glycopolymers with the aim of developing inhibitors against pathogens and manipulator of cellular functions. Carbohydrates are involved in our life activities through binding to corresponding lectins. Glycopolymer is one of the classes of the emerging materials in recent years that mimic the functions of the glycoconjugates on the cells. This review summarizes the research over the past decade on the design of glycopolymers with a focus on controlling the interactions with lectins.image