Synthesis of oligosaccharides derived from Burkholderia pseudomallei and mallei: Potential agents for bioterrorism

ORGN 280

Alok S. Mehta, amehta@chem.uga.edu, Department of Chemistry, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, The University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Rd, Athens, GA 30602 and Geert-Jan Boons, gjboons@ccrc.uga.edu, University of Georgia, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602.
Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, causative agents for infectious diseases such as melioidosis (Whitmore's disease) and glanders respectively, have the potential for use as agents in biological warfare and terrorism. Both bacteria are listed as category B bioterrorism agents. Recently, complex carbohydrate fragments derived from the lipopolysaccharide OPS II of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei have been identified. To evaluate the antigenicity of these carbohydrates and their potential uses as diagnostic markers and/or vaccine components, we have developed highly convergent syntheses of spacer-linked oligosaccharide fragments derived from the O-side chain of B. pseudomallei and mallei. These compounds will be examined as vaccine and diagnostic candidates.
 

Biologically Active Molecules
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R05, Oral

Division of Organic Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008