Wednesday, 11 January 2023
Scientists have discovered sugar-based molecules can be used to block activity of a receptor in cells that is involved in the development of a range of viral infections and cancer.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Pharmacy and Life Sciences have found a new mechanism to block activity of the Mannose Receptor (also called CD206) that is present in a number of key immune cells. Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Drs Giuseppe Mantovani and Luisa Martinez-Pomares from the University of Nottingham led the study and explain: “Therapies that block or change the immune response are already revolutionising the treatment of many cancers and inflammatory diseases and being investigated for use in some viral and bacterial infections. CD206 is an important receptor in cells for immunity but can be hijacked by viruses, including Hepatitis B, Dengue Virus and HIV-1, and some cancers. For the first time we have found a family of molecules that specifically target and block the activity of this receptor which could lead to new drug developments.”
The Mannose Receptor is present at the surface of key immune cells such as tissue macrophages – the specialised cells involved in the detection, and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms – and works by binding a range of molecules – e.g. specific sugars that decorate pathogens, as well as host molecules that need to be cleared from the circulation such as collagen.
Drs Mantovani and Martinez-Pomares designed synthetic multivalent sugar molecules (glycopolymers) that block the ability of the Mannose Receptor to shuttle between the surface of the cell and internal cellular compartments, literally trapping the receptor within the cell and inhibiting its function. This has exciting implications for potential new treatments as the Mannose Receptor is an important therapeutic target in cancer and infectious diseases.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Giuseppe Mantovani at Giuseppe.mantovani@nottingham.ac.uk, Luisa Martinez Pomares at luisa.m@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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