image from: Wands, A.M., Cervin, J., Huang, H., Zhang, Y., Youn, G., Brautigam, C. A., Dzebo, M. M., Bjorklund, P. Wallenius, V., Bright, D.K., Bennett, C.S., Wittung-Stafshede, P., Sampson, N.S., Yrlid, U., and Kohler, J.J. (2018) “Fucosylated molecules competitively interfere with cholera toxin binding to and intoxication of host cells,” in press, ACS Infect. Disease. DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00085
In collaboration with Prof Jen Kohler @ UT Southwestern and Prof Ulf Yrlid @ Gothenburg University, we have identified fucose-based glycopolymers that block cholera binding to colonic epithelial cells. We are undertaking studies with human primary cells and an in vivo model of cholera intoxication in order to identify candidates for further development as treatment for acute cases of cholera.