Synthesis of complex carbohydrates of medical importance: Malaria vaccines and anti-diabetics

ORGN 240

Peter H. Seeberger, Laboratorium fuer Organische Chemie, Laboratorium fuer Organische Chemie, ETH Zuerich, ETH Hoenggerberg HCI F315, Zuerich, 8093, Switzerland
Complex carbohydrates act as markers of specific cells including cancer cells, parasites, bacteria and viruses. The structure elucidation of these oligosaccharides is extremely difficult and in many cases synthetic chemists have to confirm or correct structural assignments. Described is the synthesis of a series of glycoconjugates including glycolipids of biological and medical relevance using solution and automated sold phase synthesis techniques. The complex glycoconjugates produced as part of the total synthesis efforts have been used as molecular tools to understand signal transduction processes that underlie different diseases including malaria and diabetes. Further refinement of the oligosaccharides resulted in a malaria vaccine candidate and substances active against diabetes.