Title of Invention

A THERAPEUTIC COMPOSITION COMPRISING PATHOGEN INHIBITING OLIGOSACCHARIDES

Abstract The invention provides a therapeutical composition comprising purified fractions of compounds being or containing a pathogen-inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence for use as a medicament. The present invention especially describes an oligosaccharide-containing substance or receptor binding to diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species, and use thereof in, e.g., pharmaceutical, nutritional and other compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of conditions due to the presence of Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. The invention is also directed to the use of the receptors for diagnostics of Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. (FIG. NIL)
Full Text A THERAPEUTIC COMPOSITION COMPRISING PATHOGEN INHIBITING
OLIGOSACCHARIDES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the fields of carbohydrate biochemistry and clinical
microbiology. The invention provides a therapeutic composition comprising purified
fractions of compounds being or containing a pathogen-inhibiting oligosaccharide
sequence for use as a medicament. The present invention especially describes an
oligosaccharide-containing substance or receptor binding to human diarrhea causing
pathogens. The invention is based on wide studies about multiple different pathogenic
bacteria having diverse pathologic adhesive mechanisms. The inventors found out multiple
common receptors which can be specifically regulated, thus reducing the possibilities for
effective therapy by single receptor sequence(s). Special therapeutic compositions
comprising at least two different oligosaccharide sequences were found out to be
especially useful. The present invention is especially directed to diarrheagenic
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species, and use thereof in, e.g.,
pharmaceutical and nutritional compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of conditions
due to the presence of human diarrhea causing pathogens, especially diarrheagenic
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. The invention is also directed to the
use of the receptors for diagnostics of human diarrhea causing pathogens, especially
diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and zoonotic Helicobacter species.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Of prime interest with respect to bacterial colonization and infection is the mechanism(s)
by which bacteria adheres to the epithelial cell surfaces. The prior art describing bindings
of various bacteria does not describe the use of the receptor combinations according to the
present invention against infections, especially against intestinal infections. The present
invention is also useful for gastrointestinal infections, especially oral infections, and can be
used against lung infections.
Carbohydrate binding of EPEC
CHO-cell mutants have been used to study the effect of glycosylation on EPEC binding.
Since a sialic-acid-and-Gal-lacking mutant had lower binding activity than a sialic acid
lacking mutant, the authors suggested that the binding sequence could be Gaip3GlcNAc or
Galß4GlcNAc and sialic acid. The idea of Galp3GlcNAc or Gaip4GlcNAc usage was also
patented. It was suggested that sialic acid may be necessary for EPEC mediated cell
detachment (Vanmale, R.P. et al., 1995). However, the cell surface glycosylation is
involving several classes of glycoproteins and glycolipids, and the biosynthetic pathways
for glycosylations are so complicated that mutations have multiple biosynthetic effects on
glycosylations which are not properly characterized yet. The present invention shows that
not all sialic acid oligosaccharide sequences were effectively active, and similarly, the
disaccharides alone in all structures are not effectively active. The present invention is
directed to the use of more specific effective structures which could not be determined
based on the previous data. In another study the same scientist inhibited attachment of an
EPEC-strain to Hep-2 cells by N-acetyl lactosamine-BSA and Lex -BSA neoglycoproteins
in the concentration range 0.4- 0.8 mg/ml (Vanmaele, R.P. et al., 1995). According to the
present invention the disaccharide sequences or Lex are not enough for strong binding to
EPEC, but larger or more specific oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention
are preferred. The present invention also describes simultaneous use of compositions of
two or several oligosaccharide sequences for theraphy of all types of diarrhea causing
infections for several pathogens, even when pathogen is undetermined. The present
invention is specifically directed to therapeutically useful polyvalent conjugates which are
effective in lower concentrations and does not comprise unnatural protein structures, which
are potent antigens or allergens.
WO96/39190 indicates binding specificities of heat labile toxin of ETEC E. coli. They list
lactose, Galß3GalNAc, GalNAcp4Gal, and NeuNAca3Gal linked to solid, inert support.
The results with solid support and weak partial receptor epitopes are not relevant to the
present invention. The two first disaccharide epitopes were revealed here to be inactive as
monovalent inhibitors. The patent application does not describe the longer more effective
epitopes nor soluble polyvalent conjugates according to the invention.
A small variety of commercial glycolipids has been used to screen the specifity of an
EPEC strain. In decreasing order of activity asialo-GMl, asialo-GM2, globoside and lacto-
N-tetraose were observed to bind, while sialylated gangliosides, lactosylceramide,
globotriaosylceramide (Gala4Galß4GlcpCer), and Forssmann glycolipid were negative.
Asialo-GMl binding was studied with several strains. The binding active epitope was
considered to be GalNAcß4Gal or GalNAcß3Gal with weaker activity. The authors also
describe binding to asialo-GMl neoglycoprotein and GalNAc neoglycoprotein but not
inhibition of the binding to the asialo-GMl by neoglycoproteins at 25 micromolar
concentration or undefined oligosaccharides at 1 mM concentration (Jagannatha, H.M. et
al., 1991). The authors did not observe the several binding specificities obvious from the
present invention, wherein several strains were tested. These specificities include
lactosylceramide binding, Gakx4Gal-binding (globotriose and Forssman antigen negative)
or sialic acid dependent bindings of the bacteria. Their results indicated specifically that
the contradictory bindings described were not inhibitable by monovalent or polyvalent
oligosaccharide sequences and therefore this study did not show therapeutically useful
types of binding as the present invention does. The failure to show all the bindings and
inhibition may be related in technical failure in the process.
Several oligosaccharide fractions from human milk were analysed for inhibition of EPEC
strains at a concentration 3 mg/ml. Inhibiting activity was observed in pentasaccharide
fraction, possible difucosylactose fraction, possible lacto- and neolactotetraose fraction,
heptasaccharide fraction and hexasaccharide fraction. The fractions were named after
expected major components. Compositions of the fractions were determined by
monosaccharide analysis which does not reveal the exact structures of the components.
The real compositions of the fractions and the presence of potential minor or other
saccharides were not assessed (Cravioto, A, et al 1991). As the active compound or
compounds were not characterized, the data would not have lead to the present invention.
Human milk lactoferrin, secretory IgA and free secretory component has been shown to
inhibit EPEC-binding to glycoproteins of HELA-cells, with no indications to carbohydrate
structures (Nascimento de Araujo, and Giugliano 2001).
Inhibition of the EHEC toxin binding to Gala4Gal(34Glc and binding data about other
toxins of E.coli binding to Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcßCer has not been shown to cure the
diseases. There are suggestions with regard to the use of solid phase conjugates containing
Gala4Gaip4Glc for inhibition of toxins in therapeutics against diarrhea. The clinical trials
using the single epitopes failed. The polyvalent conjugates according to the present
invention are specifically directed to soluble polyvalent conjugates for effective inhibitions
of pathogens, especially adhesion of diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria. As a specific
embodiment the invention is directed to the prevention of non-toxin secreting E. coli. The
toxin blocking oligosaccharides are not indicated for the types of E. coli.
Purified colonialization factors of certain ETEC strains were shown to bind to asialo-GMl
(GaißGalNAcß4Lac-Cer) but not to sialylated control gangliosides (Oroe, et al., 1990). A
colonialization factor was shown to bind to several galactoglycoproteins in the rabbit
intestine. This binding could be inhibited by asialo-GMl, GM1, GM2, but not so
effectively by GM3 and the adhesin bound to GalNAcß4Gal-neoglycoprotein. Human
meconium glycoprotein and its asialo- and afucoform inhibited the binding more weakly
and bovine glycophorin most weakly. As the binding of the Maackia amuriensis lectin, the
meconium glycoprotein binding was also probably polylactosamine dependent. Sialic acid
residues were considered not to be important for the bindings (Neeser, J.R. et al, 1989;
Wenneras, C. et al. 1995). However, this study shows no useful defined multiepitope
solution for treatment of diarrheas or other infections. The polylactosamine specificity was
not defined, if present The present invention shows that not all of polylactosamine type
sequences, such as the branched structure, are active. Use of combinations of specificities
are not defined.
Human milk gangliosides GM1 and GM3 and more weakly GD3 were inhibiting the
binding of an ETEC and an EPEC strain to human cancer Caco-2 cells, while
lactosylceramide, GD3-lactone, and N-acetylneuraminic acid was negative. The present
invention shows a lactosylceramide binding and sialic acid dependent bindings. This prior
art shows a potential single not well characterized specificity which, if existant, is probably
not even among the binding specificities disclosed in the present invention.
EPEC binding to HeLa cells was inhibited by 100 mM N-acetylgalactosamine and a
bacterial membrane protein was purified by affinity chromatography using GalNAc
(Scatelsky, et al. 1988). However, disclosed weak bindings to a monosaccharide do not
allow any conclusions on the biological significance of said binding.
EPECs may bind to Man, alpha-methyl-Man and Man-containing N-glycan sequences. The
most active compounds contained Manal-3Man- structure (Neeser et al. 1986). An earlier
study characterized Manal-3Manpl-4GlcNAc, Manal-paranitrophenyl and Manal-
3(Manal-6)Manal-6(Manal-3)Manal-OMe as good binders to type 1 villi of E. coli 346
(Firon et al., 1982). However, the publications do not determine the use of the epitope
together with other specific binding molecules.
Hemagglutination of erythrocytes by an ETEC strain was inhibited by mucin type II
(Sigma), a red cell glycoprotein preparation, gangliosides type II, and sialic acid (1
mg/ml). The hemagglutination could be prevented by protease, sialidase, periodate, urea
and guanidium chloride. This study does not describe the nature of the sialic acid
potentially involved in the binding under the experimental conditions (Barthus et al, 1985).
CFA/I was purified and shown to be a polymeric protein with Mw about 23,800. The
purified protein had hemagglutination activity when aggregated by acid. Only N-
acetylneuraminic acid could inhibit the hemagglutination. The effect of NeuNAc was
suggested to be non-specific (Evans et al, 1979). Potentially sialylated, sialidase sensitive,
glygoprotein receptors have been reported for ETEC (Pieroni, P., and Worobec, E.A. 1988,
Wenneras et al., 1990)
Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) binding to HeLa-cells have been reported to be
inhibitable by human milk protein fractions, which were not characterized (Nascimento de
Araujo, and Giugliano 2000). The specificity of the binding towards the carbohydrates
involved, if any, has not been described.
Monovalent oligosaccharide Gala4Gaip4Glc has been suggested for inhibition of shiga
toxina and shigalike toxin in US20030405503 but the inhibitor seems not be useful in
monovalent form. Minor effects were obtained in inhibition of toxin with monovalent
inhibitor at 5 % concentration corresponding to about 100 mM oligosaccharide, such high
concentration may have dehydrating or other unexpected effects. The present invention is
further directed to inhibition of non-toxigenic diarrhea causing E. coli with monovalent
Gala4Gaiß4Glc where effect is seen with useful concentration of 0.3 mM and inhibition at
low concentrations of the Globo-receptor oligosaccharides.
Two applications describe the use of Lacto-N-neotetraose for stimulating Bifidobacterium
[US59069821 and inhibition of E. coli and some other bacteria [US6083934]. The
inhibition is not against binding of the E. coli but occurs during cultivation of the bacteria.
The invention does not demonstrate the usefulness of the substance in combination of other
saccharides. The applications do not show inhibition of diarrheagenic E. coli species or
types according to the invention. Lacto-N-tetraose has been also claimed for improving the
stool quality of infants in an application of Lundblad and Biocarb, but the invention was
not directed to treatment of diarrhea, especially the diarrheas caused by E. coli according
to the invention,
Uropathoeenic E. coli
Many studies describing the bingding of uropathogenic E. coli have been performed. This
bacterium binds for example to Galal-4Gal-sequences. PCT/SE81/00065 describes
binding activity of E. coli causing urinary tract diseases, not intestinal disease. The data
does not show Gala4Gal binding of a diarrheagenic E.coli. The uropathogenic bacteria are
different from the intestinal diarrhea causing apthogens such as EHEC, ETEC, EPEC,
EAEC, or EIEC. Bindings and infection mechanisms of bacteria vary between strains and
types of bacteria, and results from one indication cannot be generalized to other
indications. The binding specificities of the bacteria infecting different organs are adapted
to the tissue specific receptors present on certain tissues. The glycosylations in human and
animal is in general tissue- and species-specific. A potential situation where cross-
reactivity between species may arise, needs to be addressed by characterizing the exact
receptor structures in target tissues and the specificities of the cross-reacting bacteria.
In general the prior art does not describe useful combinations of specified receptor
activities for effective treatment of infections, especially intestinal infections. The prior art
concentrates on single specificities, which are in general not shown to be present
simultaneously on a single strain of bacteria. Due to variations in single bacterial strain the
binding specificities may vary between experiments. Further, the prior art does not show
useful therapies using monovalent oligosaccharide sequences or polyvalent sequences as
described in the present invention
The prior art does not suggest a simultaneous therapeutical use of several inhibitors of
carbohydrate mediated pathogen binding. The therapeutically useful combinations of
carbohydrate mediated pathogen binding could be considered,
1) if a certain strain of a pathogenic bacterium (or a pathogen cell) has several binding
specificities; and
2) if these binding specificities are simultaneously present on the pathogen; and
3) if corresponding receptor oligosaccharide sequences are present on a relevant target
tissue; and
4) if relevant receptor oligosaccharide sequences are available for the binding
specificities of the pathogen.
When considering usefulness of therapeutic receptor combinations, the effects of possible
inhibitor oligosaccharides alone and in combinations must be established. The present
invention shows useful substances and compositions for inhibition of pathogens. The prior
art is about potential bindings and does not allow any determination of the effective
inhibitors of pathogen binding as shown in the present invention.
Identification of relevant receptor oligosaccharide on human gastrointestinal tract
The present invention discloses the presence of glycoprotein bound oligosaccharide
sequences which can serve as primary or first contact receptors on human gastrointestinal
epithelium. Several novel receptor sequences are demonstrated. A combination of
pathogen binding data with novel information of the most relevant first contact receptors
allowed us to determine useful inhibitors for pathogen binding. The analysis of receptors
according to the invention revealed that several novel receptor types are present on
gastrointestinal epithelia and these are, as first contact receptors, more available for a
primary contact with pathogens.
Zoonotic Helicobacter species
There are more than 20 characterised Helicobacter species to date (On, 2001). The species have
been isolated from several hosts including primates, pigs, felines, canines, poultry and rodents (On,
2001). In their hosts, Helicobacter spp. have been identified from both the gastric and
enterohepatic niches of the gastrointestinal tract, where they have been associated with a wide
spectrum of clinical outcomes (Fox et al, 2000; Nilsson et al, 2001).
The present invention is also directed to non-H.pylori Helicobacter species, especially to
enterohepatically infecting ones causing diarrheas and liver diseases. Typically these bacteria,
referred as zHelicobacter (zHelicobacteria in plural), are zoonotically active infecting both human
and animals, such as cattle and pets, preferred pet animals are cats and dogs. In a separate
embodiment the present invention is directed to gastric infections caused by zHelicobacteria.
Carbohydrates binding to the human gastric pathogen H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is the most widely studied species of the genus and is associated with gastric
pathology (Hunt 1996). In particular the bacterium has the noted ability to attach to both Lewisb
(Leb) (Boren et al., 1993), and Sialyl-dimeric-Lex antigens which may be extremely relevant in the
maintenance of a chronic infection (Gerhard et al., 2001; Madhavi et al., 2002). Glycoconjugates,
both lipid- and protein-based, have been reported to serve as receptors for the binding of this
microorganism as, e.g., sialylated glycoconjugates (Evans et al., 1988), sulfatide and GM3 (Saitoh
et al., 1991),polyglycosylcerarnides(Miller-Podraza et al., 1996; 1997a), lactosylceramide
(Angstrom et al, 1998) and gangliotetraosylceramide (Lingwood et al, 1992; Angstrom et al.,
1998). Other potential receptors for Helicobacter pylori include the polysaccharide heparan
sulphate (Ascensio et al., 1993) as well as the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine (Lingwood
et al, 1992). Binding to lactotetraosylceramide (Teneberg, et al, 2002) and to type 2 lactosamines
(PCT/FI02/00043) has been recently described.
US patents of Zopf et al 5.883.079 (March 1999), 5,753,630 (May 1998) and 5,514,660 (May,
1996) describe Neu5Aca3Gal- containing compounds as inhibitors of the H. pylori adhesion. The
sialyl-lactose molecule inhibits Helicobacter pylori binding to human gastrointestinal cell lines
(Simon et al., 1997) and is also effective in a rhesus monkey animal model of the infection
(Mysore et al., 1999). The compound is in clinical trials. US patent Krivan et al. 5,446,681
(November 1995) describes bacterium receptor antibiotic conjugates comprising an asialo
ganglioside coupled to a penicillin antibiotic. Especially is claimed the treatment of Helicobacter
pylori with the amoxicillin-asialo-GMl conjugate. The oligosaccharide sequences/glycolipids
described in the invention do not belong to the ganglioseries of glycolipids. US patents of Krivan
et al.;5,386,027 (January 1995) and 5,217,715 (June 1993) describe the use of oligosaccharide
sequences or glycolipids to inhibit several pathogenic bacteria but Helicobacter species according
to the invention were not shown.
The references above list carbohydrate receptors of H. pylori, which is not the target of the present
invention. The invention is further directed to the treatment of enteric diseases especially diarrhea,
and hepatobiliary diseases including gall bladder stones and liver cancers.
It has been established previously that both H. pylori and H. mustelae bind
gangliotetraosylceramide which was confirmed in this study (Milh et al). The species are
not among the zHelicobacter species according to invention but were tested as control
species.
WO 0 1 43751 discloses Helicobacter pylori-binding substances comprising oligosaccha-
rides, such as Galß3G!cNAc and Galß3GalNAc.
WO 0051644 relates to compositions containing oligosaccharides, such as LacNAc, LeX
and LeY, for the treatment of conditions initiated or mediated by EPEC.
WO 0033854 discloses compositions containing different oligosaccharides for the treat-
ment of disorders of the digestive tract. The oligosaccharides being obtained by the hy-
drolysis of one or more polysaccharides, such as [ß-(arabino)galactans, ß-(arabmo) xy-
lans, ß-giucans, ß-glucomannans, [3-galactomannans. a-arabans, inulin and combinations
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a therapeutical composition comprising a purified
fraction(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a pathogen inhibiting
oligosaccharide sequence selected from the pathogen receptors
as defined in the formula
[Sacchl]mlGaipx(Fuca4)m2Glc[NAc]m3[P3Gal{p4Glc(NAc)nl}n2]n3[pR2]n4(I)
" wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is GlcNAcß3, Gala3, GalNAcß4,
Gala4, or Neu5Xa3/6, wherein X is independently either Ac or Gc;
nl, n2, n3, n4, ml, m2, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3 and ml is 0 and m3 is 1;
m3 may be 0 only when Sacchl is Neu5Xa3, Gala3, GalNAcß4 or Gala4;
when n4 is 1, then m3 is 0 and n3 is 0, and
when n4 is 0, then ml is 1 or m2 is 1 or n3 is 1;
R.2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid and
Sacchl is Gala or GalNAcp with the provision that when at least two receptors are
used these have at least one different variable selected from the group consisting of
Sacchl, x, m2, and n4 with the provision that two sialic acid receptors or two
neolacto receptors cannot be selected;
and with the provision that when the composition contains only one receptor
according to formula (I) then it is together with at least one alpha-hexose receptor
as defined in the formula
Hexap[(Hexar)]nHex (II)
wherein Hex is Gal or Man, n is independently 0 or 1, p and r are linkage position 3
or 6 between Man residues, with the provision that when Hex is Man, then p is 3
and then r is 6, and when p is 6, then r is 3, and when Hex is Gal, then p is 4 and n
is 0, with the provision that when Hex is Gal it is not with Gala4Gal-receptor
according to the formula I;
for use as a medicament.
The invention especially describes a simultaneous use of at least two carbohydrate
receptors of the above groups binding to pathogens, especially diarrhea-causing
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species, and analogs or derivatives of the
oiigosaccharide sequence having Binding activity to Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic
Helicobacter species for the treatment and prophylaxis of diarrheas due to the presence of
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species.
Among the objects of the invention are the use of the diarrheaeenic Escherichia coli and/or
zoonotic Helicobacter species binding oiigosaccharide sequences described in the
invention as a medicament, and the use of the same for the manufacture of a
pharmaceutical composition, particularly for the treatment of any condition due to the
presence of Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species.
The present invention also relates to the methods of treatment for conditions due to the
presence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. The
invention is also directed to the use of the receptor(s) described in the invention as an
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species -binding or -inhibiting substance for
diagnostics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species.
Another object of the invention is to provide substances,pharmaceutical compositions and
nutritional additives or compositions containing Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic
Helicobacter species -binding oiigosaccharide sequence(s).
Other objects of the invention are the use of the above-mentioned Escherichia coli and/or
zoonotic Helicobacter species binding substances for the typing of Escherichia coli and/or
zoonotic Helicobacter species, and the Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter
species binding assays.
The invention is also directed to the use of the oligosaccharide sequences according to the
invention in food safety products for inhibition of pathogens, especially diarrhea causing
bacteria such as dlarrheagenicE. coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. The present
invention is also directed food "safety analytics to determine presence of diarrhea causing
E. coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species by the use of the receptor carbohydrates
according to the invention.
The present invention is also directed to novel oligosaccharide receptors present on
glycoproteins of human gastrointestinal tract. The invention is directed to the use of the
recepors for analysis of pathogen binding and pathogenic conditions.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1. Binding of wild type diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains to glycosphingolipid
mixtures. (A) Glycosphingolipids detected with anisaldehyde. (B and C) Autoradiograms
obtained after binding of radiolabeled wild type diarrheagenic E. coli isolates. The
glycosphingolipids were separated on aluminum-backed silica gel plates, using
chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system, and the binding assay
was performed as described in "Experimental procedures". The lanes were: Lane 1, non-acid
glycosphingolipids of mouse feces, 40 µg; lane 2, non-acid glycosphingolipids of guinea pig
erythrocytes, 40 |ig; lane 3, Forssman glycosphingolipid,
(GalNAca3GalNAcßa4Gaiß4GlcplCer), 4 µg; lane 4, gangliotriaosylceramide
(GalNAc(54Gal|34GlcßlCer), 4 µg; lane S, gangliotetraosylceramide
(Galß3GalNAc(34Gaip4Glc(ßlCer), 4 µg; lane 6, non-acid glycosphingolipids of human
meconium, 40 µg; lane 7, non-acid glycosphingolipids of human stomach, 40 µg: lane 8,
globoside (GalNAcßGala4Galß4GlcßiCer), 4 µg; lane 9, acid glycosphingolipids of human
erythrocytes, 40 µg. Autoradiography was for 12 h.
FIG. 2. Binding of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strain CCµg 38077 to pure
glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatogram. (A) Chemical detection by
anisaldehyde. (B) Autoradiogram obtained by binding of 35S-labeled E. coli strain CCµg
38077. The glycosphingolipids were separated on aluminum-backed silica gel plates, using
chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system, and the binding assay
was performed as described under" Experimental procedures". The lanes were: Lane 1,
lactotetraosylceramide (Gaip3GlcNAcß3Galp4GlcplCer), 4 µg; lane 2, NeuAc-GM3
(NeuAca3Galß4GlcplCer), 4 µg; lane 3, Neµgc-GM3 (Neµgca3Galß4GlcßlCer), 4 µg;
lane 4, NeuAca3-sialylparagloboside (NeuAca3Gaip4GlcNAcß3Gaip4GlcßlCer), 4 µg;
lane 5, Neµgc-sialylparagloboside (Neµgca3Gaip4GlcNAcp3Gaiß4GlcßiCer), 4 µg; lane
6, sialyl-Lea hexaglycosylceramide (NeuAca3Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcplCer), 4
µg; lane 7, Neµgc-neolactohexaosylceramide
(Neugca3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Gaip4GlcßlCer), 4 µg; lane 8, GDla
ganglioside (NeuAca3Gaiß3GalNAcß4(NeuAca3)Galß4GlcßlCer), 4 µg.
Autoradiography was for 12 h.
FIG. 3. Effect of preincubation with oligosaccharides. Radiolabeled wild type E. coli
strain 44 was incubated with a mixture of globotetraose (l.S mM) and 3"sialyllactose (1.5
mM) in PBS for 1 h at room temperature. Thereafter the suspensions were utilized in the
chromatogram binding assay. (A) Binding of radiolabeled E. coli strain 44. (B) Binding of
E. coli strain 44 incubated with globotetraose and 3"sialyllactose. Lanes 1-5 were serial
dilutions of globoside (GalNAcpGala4Galp4GlcpiCer) and 3"sialylparagloboside
(NeuAca3Gaiß4GlcNAcß3Gaiß4Glcß1Cer). Lane 1,4 ng of each compound, lane 2,2 fig
of each compound, lane 3,1 µg of each compound, lane 4,0.5 µg of each compound, lane
5,0.2 µg of each compound, lane 6, B7 type 1 heptaglycosylceramide
(Gala3(Fuca2)Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Gaiß4GlcßiCer; negative control), 4 µg. The
glycospbingolipids were separated on aluminum-backed silica gel plates, using
chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system, and the binding assay
was performed as described under "Experimental procedures". Autoradiography was for 12
h. (C) Binding curves obtained after quantification of binding by densitometry. The
autoradiograms in (A) and (B) were analyzed using the NIH Image program.
FIG. 4. Glycosphingolipids separated on thin-layer chromatogram after chemical detection
(A) and autoradiograms obtained after binding of different Helicobacter spp (B-I). Lanes:
1, acid glycosphingolipid fraction of human granulocytes, 40 µg; 2, Gaiß4GlcßiCer
(lactosylceramide) of dog intestine, 2 µg; 3, Gala3Gaiß4GlcplCer
(isoglobotriaosylceramide) of dog intestine, 2 µg; 4, Gaiß3GalNAcß4Gaiß4GlcßlCer
(gangliotetraosylceramide) of mouse feces, 2 µg; 5,
Galß3(Fucß4)GlcNAcß3Galp4GlcßiCer (Le,-5 glycosphingolipid) of human meconium, 2
µg; 6, Fuca2Gaiß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcP3Gaip4GlcpiCer (Leb-6 glycosphingolipid) of human
meconium, 2 µg; 7, GalNAcß3Gala4Gaiß4GlcßlCer (globotetraosylceramide) of human
erythrocytes, 2 µg; 8, Gaiß3GlcNAcß3Gaiß4GIcßiCer (lactotetraosylceramide) of human
meconium, 2 µg.
FIG. 5. Inhibition of binding of enteropathogenic E. coli to glycosphingolipids by
soluble oligosaccharides. Radiolabeled wild type E. coli strain 37 was incubated with a
mixture of globotriaose (1.5 mM), neolactotetraose (1.5 mM) and 6"sialyllactose (1.5 mM)
in PBS for 1 h at room temperature. Thereafter the suspensions were utilized in the
chromatogram binding assay. (A) Binding of radiolabeled E. coli strain 37. (B) Binding of
E. coli strain 37 incubated with a mixture of globotriaose, neolactotetraose and
6"sialyllactose. Lanes 1-4 were serial dilutions of globotriaosylceramide (Gala4Galp4Glc
ß1Cer) and Neugc-neolactohexaosylceramide
(Neugca3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNacß3Galß4GlcßlCer). Lane 1,2 µg of each
compound, lane 2,1 µg of each compound, lane 3,0.5 µg of each compound, lane 4,0.2 µg
of each compound. Lanes 5-8 were serial dilutions of Neµgc-neolactotetraosylceramide
(Neugccc3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galp4GlcßiCer). Lane 5,2 µg of each compound, lane 6,1 µg
of each compound, lane 7,0.5 µg of each compound, lane 8,0.2 µg of each compound. The
glycosphingolipids were separated on aluminium-packed silica gel plates, using
chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system, and the binding assay
was performed as described under "Experimental procedures". Autoradiography was for 12
(C) Binding curves obtained after quantification of binding by densitometry. The
autoradiograms in (A) and (B) were analyzed using the NIH Image program. Open circles,
binding to globotriaosylceramide (Fig. 6A/filled circles, binding to globotriaosylceramide
after oligosaccharide incubation (Fig. 6B). Open squares, binding to Neµgc-
neolactohexaosylceramide (Fig. 6A)/filled squares, binding to Neµgc-
neolactohexaosylceramide after oligosaccharide incubation (Fig. 6B). Open triangles,
binding to Neµgc-neolactotetraosylceramide (Fig. 6A)/filled triangles, binding to Neµgc-
neolactotetraosylceramide after oligosaccharide incubation (Fig. 6B).
FIG. 6. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli does not bind to globoseries glycosphingolipids or
sialic acid carrying glycosphingolipids. Binding of wild type enterohemorrhagic E, coli
strain W135A to glycosphingolipid mixtures. The glycosphingolipids were separated on
aluminium-packed silica gel plates, using chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume)
as solvent system, and the binding assay was performed as described in "Experimental
procedures". The lanes were: Lane 1, non-acid glycosphingolipids of blood group O
erythrocytes, 40 µg; lane 2, non-acid glycosphingolipids of bovine intestine, 40 µg; lane 3,
acid glycosphingolipids of bovine intestine, 40 µg; lane 4, non-acid glycophingolipids of
sheep intestine, 40 µg; lane 5, acid glycosphingolipids of sheep intestine (Folch upper
phase), 40 µg; lane 6, acid glycosphingolipids of sheep intestine (Folch lower phase9,40
µg; lane 7, non-acid glycosphingolipids of cat intestine, 40 µg; lane 8, acid
glycosphingolipids of horse intestine 40 µg; lane 9, acid glycosphingolipids of human
eosinophil granulocytes, 40 µg. Autoradiography was for 12 h.
FIG. 7. Selective loss of binding to isoglobotriaosylceramide upon sub-culture. Binding
of enteroinvasive E. coli CCUG 38092 to pure glycosphingolipids on thin-layer
chromatogram. (A) Autoradiogram obtained by binding of 35S-labeled E. coli strain CCµg
38092. (B) Autoradiogram obtained by binding of 35S-labeled E. coli strain CCµg 38092
after sub-culture. The glycosphingolipids were separated on aluminium-packed silica gel
plates, using chloroform/methanol/water (60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system, and the
binding assay was performed as described under "Experimental procedures". The lanes
were: Lane 1, Galactosylceramide (GaißiCer), 4 µg; lane 2, lactosylceramide with non-
hydroxy ceramide (Gal(MGlcßlCer), 4 µg; lane 3, NeuGc-GM3
(Neµgca3Gaiß4GlcßiCer), 4 µg; lane 4, isoglobotriaosylceramide
(Gala3Gal|}4Glcß1Cer), 4 µg; lane 5, gangliotetraosylceramide
(Gaiß3GalNAcß4Gal(34GlcßiCer), 4 µg; lane 6, globoside
(GalNAcß3Gala4Gaiß4GlcßiCer), 4 µg. Autoradiography was for 12 h.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Binding of pathogenic viruses and bacteria to human tissues depends on carbohydrate
receptors. Several carbohydrates have been in clinical or preclinical trials for the possible
effect on the inhibition of infections by pathogenic bacteria or viruses. For example, a
sialylated oligosaccharide has been a candidate for the inhibition of human gastric
pathogen H. pylori and another oligosaccharide has been sµggested to be effective against
otitis media causing bacteria, but no results have come from the first trial after several
years of studying and the other trial has also been announced to have been unsuccessful.
There have also been failures with two phase 3 trials concerning oligosaccharide
conjµgates inhibiting bacterial toxins. Such failures are partially related to a poor
understanding on exact pathogenic mechanisms behind the diseases. The present invention
includes wide studies on the receptors and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis which
allow treatment and diagnostics of multiple pathogens. Especially, the present invention is
directed to the treatment of diseases such as various types of diarrheas caused by binding
of E. coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species to human intestine.
In a specific embodiment the invention can also be used for treatment of infections of
cattle or pet animals. The binding specificities of animal infecting bacteria are different
from those of the human pathogens. However, the general mechanisms using several
specificities at the same time, and use of polyvalent conjµgates, especially soluble
polyvalent conjµgates according to the invention, are also preferred for use with animals.
The binding specificities are also partially cross-reactive and some of the receptor
combinations described by the present invention are also useful for animal theraphies, and
against some bacterial strains spread from animals such as cows. As the present invention
show recentox sequences which are also described from animals living with man and
probably play a role in the transfer of the infection, e.g. from cattle to human.
The present invention describes carbohydrate compositions and substances which inhibit
pathogens and can be used for theraphy against pathogens. Binding of pathogens such as
pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, fungi, or parasites to human or animal tissues depends
mainly on receptor carbohydrates. (The term "pathogen cells" means herein pathogens
comprising eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells such as pathogenic bacteria, fungi and
parasites.) The present invention is specifically directed to the tieatment of infection by a
pathogen or a pathogen cell having several binding specificities. The present invention
describes carbohydrate compositions and substances which inhibit pathogens. The present
carbohydrate compositions and substances can be used to inhibit the carbohydrate receptor
mediated pathogen binding and prevent or inhibit the interaction. The present invention is
specifically directed to the inhibiton of a pathogen cell, which bind to human/animal cell
or tissue surfaces using several simultaneous binding specificities.
Often the receptor carbohydrate is located on the surface of the cells of a human or animal
that is infected by a pathogen. Alternatively the receptor carbohydrate is located on the
surface of the pathogen and recognized by the host animal or human. The receptor
carbohydrate may be recognized by carbohydrate binding proteins, such as lectins or
carbohydrate binding enzymes such as glycosidases, glycosyltransferases or
transglycosylating enzymes or antibodies. Alternatively two oligosaccharide sequences can
recognize each other by carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions.
General prevention of pathogens bv group of defined general receptors and especially
using combinations of pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences
The present invention solves the problems of the inefficacy in therapeutical use of
oligosaccharides. The invention demonstrates a simultaneous use of several binding
specificities presented by common pathogens.The invention is preferably targeted to use
at least two different pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences, more preferably at
least three different pathogen binding oligosaccharide sequences for treatment of
conditions due to the presence of a pathogen. In a preferred embodiment four or more
different oligosaccharide sequences are used. The present invention is specifically directed
to the treatment of infection by a pathogen or a pathogen cell having several binding
carbohydrate specificities. The carbohydrate binding specificities according to the present
invention can be inhibited by monovalent or polyvalent carbohydrates. Preferentially, the
pathogen causing the infection has at least three different inhibitable carbohydrate binding
specificities and more preferably at least four inhibitable carbohydrate binding specificities
which are inhibited according to the invention. The present invention is especially directed
to the treatment of relevant infections when receptor oligosaccharides are present on the
target tissue of pathogenesis. The preferred use of two or more oligosaccharide sequences
is based on the relevance of the compositions used, feasibility of the compositions for
inhibition and special synergistic effects of the compositions against one or several
pathogens.
The present invention is especially directed to the treatment of diarrheas caused by E. coli.
The invention shows useful combinations of receptor-active oligosaccharide sequences for
treatment of infections caused by diarrheagenic E.coli bacteria, especially Escherichia coli
-species including EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), EAEC (enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli) and EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli). The present invention shows
a large variety of E. coli bacterial strains and demonstrates a group of eight receptor
activities which are common to all diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria. The prior art is
directed to a limited number of receptor sequences and limited number of strains of
specific pathogens such as EPEC or ETEC and contains conflicting data about the
specificities. The differences between the E. coli strains do not allow any generalization
concerning the binding specificities of different types or strains of the bacteria. The
relevance of the binding specificities to larger groups of strains or the major types of E.
coli can only be assessed by studying numerous strains as shown by the present invention.
Precise knowledge of the binding specificities common to the major pathogens and
pathogen types causing diarrheas allows rational design of effective theraphies.
The present invention provides a new general treatment for diarrhea. According to the
invention, the treated diarrhea is caused by E. coli, i.e. the infection is caused by the major
diarrheagenic (or diarrhea causing) Escherichia coli bacteria, especially the subgroups
including EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia
coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), EAEC (enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli) and EEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli). The five subgroups cover
the majority of all clinically relevant diarrheas caused by diarrheagenic Kcoli. The prior
art does not describe carbohydrate based theraphies for the five major types of the
diarrheas caused by E. coli. The general treatment for these is especially useful because of
the resistance problems developing, when traditional antibiotics are used. The
carbohydrate based antiadhesion theraphies are not likely to have the same problems due
to limited amounts of possible receptors in gastrointestinal system. The general broad-
spectrum diarrhea therapy of the invention is also useful when the pathogen causing
patient"s diarrhea is not diagnosed.
According to the present invention several receptor oligosaccharide sequences are common
to diarrhea causing E. coli- bacteria. These receptors are useful for diagnostics of diarrheas
or for treatment of diarrheas due to a diarrheagenic E. co/i.The invention describes for the
first time general effective theraphies against all major types of diarrhea causing E. coli
bacteria. The present invention is especially directed to the use of at least two or several of
the receptor oligosaccharides sequences to be used against diarrheagenic E. coli.
Moreover, the present invention is directed to the use of specific combinations of the
receptor active oligosaccharide sequences for diagnosis of diarrheagenic E. coli or for
prevention or treatment of infections caused by the diarrheagenic E. coli.
The present invention is also directed to the treatment of intestinal infections when a
patient is infected by a bacterium resistant to traditional antibiotics. The present invention
is further directed to the use of the receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the
present invention in connection with traditional antibiotics to improve the therapeutic
| effects thereof.
This design can be used together with analysis of specific pathogen strains with regard to
the eight receptor binding specificities or preferred specific subgroups thereof as described
by the present invention.
The present invention is also directed to general theraphies against diarrhea causing types
of E. coli. Previuos inventions or studies are directed only to single types of diarrhea
causing E. coli bacteria. When many strains of the different types of pathogens were
studied, the eight binding specificities were for the first time shown to be common to all
the major types of diarrhea causing E.coli such as EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia
coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coif), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia
coli), EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli) and EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia
coli). The present invention is directed to the use of a single component of the eight
receptor binding specificities against at least three of the types of the E. coli bacteria, more
preferentially against at least against four of the E. coli types and most preferentially
against all five of the E. coli types. Similarly, the present invention is directed to the use of
combinations of the eight receptor binding specificities against at least three and more
preferentially against all the major types of E. coli causing diarrheas.
The present invention is also directed to specific combinations of the binding specificities
which are especially useful for the prevention of an infection. The combinations are based
on
- the knowledge of the properties of oligosaccharide sequences as bacterial inhibitors
• the knowledge of the presence of relevant receptor structures in intestinal epithelium
• the knowledge of the different receptor levels in the infection cascade
- the knowledge of the receptors specifically useful against pathogens to avoid normal
flora interactions
- the design of special low cost inhibitors for the binding specificities
- the design of specific receptor combinations for local infections when specific strains
have binding activity to a subgroup of the binding specificities
The present invention is also targeted to the therapy of important but less studied E. coli
types or species causing diarrheas. The invention is specifically directed to the treatment of
infections caused by EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli). The invention is also
directed to the treatment of diarrheas caused by EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli).
These infections cause diarrheas, especially in children in developing countries and novel
therapies to treat these are of importance. The need of therapeutic blocking substances for
EAEC and EIEC is emphasized because the lack of the knowledge of the specificities of
the bacteria.
As a specific embodiment the present invention is directed to the treatment of diarrhea
causing not toxin secreting pathogen, preferably non-toxin secreting E. coli. The toxin
blocker oligosaccharides should not have any effect towards such pathogens. Preferably
the non-toxin secreting E. coli does not secrete Gala4Gal-based carbohydrate recognizing
toxins such as verotoxin. In another embodiment the non-toxin secreting E. coli does not
express heat labile toxin. The non-toxin secreting E. coli is preferably EPEC, EAEC, or
EEC, more preferably EAEC or EIEC.
The present invention surprisingly finds out that Gala4Gal carbohydrates can be used for
inhibition of non-toxin secreting E. coli. The present invention is directed to use the globo-
receptors alone for inhibition of tissue binding of any type of E. coli and more preferably
for the treatment of non-toxin secreting E. coli. In a preferred embodiment the present
invention is directed to inhibition of binding of a toxin secreting pathogen preferably
pathogenic E. coli or zHelicobacter by an oligosaccharide according to the invention
specifically inhibiting the binding of the pathogen in absence of the toxin binding to the
oligosaccharide and in another embodiment the invention is direacted to the treatment of
the infection and removal of the pathogen in the presence of the toxin binding to the
inhibitor oligosaccharide.
The group of eight binding specificities described contain novel receptors for the less
studied E. coli types and species. The present invention is directed to the use of these
receptors alone and as a part of compositions against the specific types of E. coli. In a
preferred embodiment at least two or at least three oligosaccharide receptor types are used
against the EAEC and/or EIEC. The present invention is also directed to the use of specific
combinations of the receptor oligosaccharide species according to the present invention
against EAEC and/or EIEC.
The present invention is also targeted to novel therapeutic oligosaccharides and
oligosaccharide combinations against ETEC.
The present invention is also targeted to novel therapeutic oligosaccharides and
oligosaccharide combinations against EPEC.
The present invention is also targeted to novel therapeutic oligosaccharides and
oligosaccharide combinations against EHEC.
Preferred diarrhea-diseases to be treated according to the present invention include for
example watery diarrheas, bloody diarrheas and severe diarrheas. The specific indications
further include traveller"s diarrhea, children"s diarrheas especially in developing countries
and severe diarrhea related diseases including hemorrhagic diarrhea, haemolytic uremic
syndrome (HUS), especially when caused by EHEC. The present invention is also directed
to the treatment of persistent diarrheas, especially when caused by EAEC. The persistent
diarrheas specifically mean diarrheas lasting 14 days or longer. The present invention is
also directed to shigellosis like diarrheas, especially when caused by EIEC. The shigellosis
type diarrheas resemble very closely diseases caused by Shigella spp. (and pathogens
causing them resemble very closely Shigella spp.) including watery and bloody diarrheas.
It may be difficult or impossible to differentiate shigellosis and EIEC infections. The
traveller"s diarrhea is a common infection especially for persons travelling in developing
countries and it is caused by several types of E. coli, especially ETECs.
In developing countries hundreds of millions of children get infected by diarrhea causing
E. coli. The children diarrheas of developing countries are specifically caused by multiple
types of E. coli including EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC
(enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), EAEC
(enteroaggregative Escherichia colt) and EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli). There is
currently no general specific treatment for the diarrheas. Increasing resistance to traditional
antibiotics is an increasing problem.The present invention is especially directed for the
treatments and analysis of children"s diarrheas in developing countries. For treatment of
children"s diarrheas in developing countries, the therapeutical compositions and substances
may be included in hydration solutions (for example comprising salt and sucrose) used for
treatments of diarrheas. The therapeutical compositions may also be used together with
charcoal tablets or mixed in the charcoal tablets. The compositions and substances
according to the invention can be used in combination of traditional theraphies of
infections, especially treatments of gastrointestinal infections such as diarrheas caused by
E. coli.
The present invention further directed to generally milder infection not involving the
EHEC bacteria. The generally milder infections are preferably not treated with traditional
antibiotics. Milder infections may be produced by ETEC, EAEC, and EIEC strains.
Previously sµggested but clinically unsuccessful therapy of EHEC-diarrheas by toxin
blocking Globotriose-silica was not inhibiting the binding of the bacteria to natural
glycolipid receptors. The present invention showed that the Globo-binding is extremely
rare or non-existetn among EHECs. This forms an exeption of the general binding
specificitie of the diarrhea causing E. coli.
Preferred general oligosaccharide receptor groups useful for treatment of infections caused
bv E. coli and other diarrhea causing bacteria
The present invention discloses common structural motifs of the receptor subtypes of
diarrhea causing E. coli. One receptor group is based on common structure
Gaiß3/4Glc(NAc)o-i, this backbone epitope includes lactose (GalßMGlc) and similar
lactose-amines Gaiß3GlcNAc (type 1 lactosamine, Lacto receptors), Gal|34GlcNAc (type 2
lactosamine, Neolacto receptors). The backbone epitopes as such are not very effective or
are practically inactive as disasaccharides. The present invention disloses the presence of
several combinations of activated structures based on the backbone structures. However,
the present invention is preferably targeted to the natural types of the activated receptor
epitopes present on the human tissues. These structures are especially preferred as
therapeutics produced from these are not likely to toxic and natural enzymes exist for
production of the receptors.
The lactose epitope and the N-acetylactosamine structures form a common scaffold which
is recognized similarity by numerous lectins and enzymes in glycobiology. The
disaccharide epitopes share common conformations in interactions with proteins
recognizing galactosylated structures. For example human fucosyltransferase III can
recognize all three sequences as acceptors. The present invention notices that the
disaccharide sequences can be activated by various natural modifications of glycans. The
activator parts may be linked to the galactose residue or to the glucopyranose structure
which may carry N-acetylmodification. The modifications direct the carbohydrate
inhibitors to various receptors on the bacterium. The inventors found out that certain
combinations of the active receptor blocking carbohydrates are needed for effective
blocking of the pathogens.
The receptor backbone structure is activated by various derivatizations such as elongation
from the reducing end by p3-linkage to galactose or to lactose or to another lactosamine,
especially with type 1 and type 2 lactosamine giving naturally occurring structures such as
Gaip4GlcNAcp3Galß4Glc (Lacto-N-neotetraose), Galp3GlcNAcp3Galp4Glc (Lacto-N-
tetraose), Galp4GlcNAc|J3Gal, and Gaiß3GlcNAcP3Gal. Furthermore, the receptor
backbone structure may be activated by a ceramide structure, comprising a specific
hydroxyfatty acid (as described for H, pylori in Angstrdm et al. 1998), this was
demostrated by the special Lactosylceramides described here as Lactosylceramide binding.
Furthermore the Lactosamine, especially Gaiß4GlcNAc, or lactose structures can be
activated by adding specific natural monosaccharides to the non-reducing end. A specially
activating nonreducing end terminal structures includes sialic acids preferably NeuNAc or
NeuGc linked with a3- or a6-linkage, in a preferred embodiment with a6-linkage. The
most preferred structures of the sialic acid binding includes sialyl-lactoses
NeuNAca6Gaiß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galp4Glc, NeuGca6Gaiß4Glc, NeuGca3Gaiß4Glc and
corresponding sialylalactosamines NeuNAca6Galfi4GlcNAc, NeuNAca3Gaip4GlcNAc,
NeuGca6Gaip4GlcNAc, NeuGca3Galß4GlcNAc, and even the elongated LNT and LNnT
based forms of these. Even truncated sialic acid epitopes have binding activity towards E.
coli. The N-glycolylneuraminic acid was especially strongly activating structure.
The other activating structures at the non-reducing end side are GalNAcp4 or
Gaip3GalNAc|34 giving natural type receptor structures described here as specific group
Ganglio-receptors. Furthermore the activating structure at the non-reducing end side also
includes Galo4 and GalNAc|33Gala4 giving natural type receptors called Globo-receptors.
Ganglio and globoreceptors have activity even as terminal diasaccharides. A preferred
form of the Globo-receptor is therefore classified as a-linked Hexose-receptors, including
the minimal structure GaUx4Gal.
The inventors further notice that the lactosamine receptors, especially Neolacto-receptors
may represent terminal GlcNAcp3-structures.
The present invention is further directed to activation of type 1 lactosamine by Fuca4-
structure linked to the GlcNAc forming so called Lewis a structure Gaip3(Fucct4)GlcNAc.
The Fucosyl-receptors are especially preferred with reducing activating structures such as
lactosylceramide.
The activation by the terminal Gala4-structure was shown to be so effective that the
Gala4Gal-structure is active even without the reducing end Glc/GlcNAc. The minimal
activating epitope is thus Gala4Gal, more preferably Gala4Gaip. This structure shares the
common Gal-structure and is also active as trisaccharide epitopes such as Gala4Gal(34Glc
and Gala4Gaip4GlcNAc. The present invention is further directed to partial epitopes
Neu5Gca3Gal, Neu5Aca6Gal, Neu5Gca6Gal and Neu5Aca3Gal and in a separate
embodiment to GalNAcP4Gal.
Beside the lactosamine receptors the present invention describes specifically Gala4Gal-
receptors and Mana3/6Man receptors. The two alpha-linked-hexose receptor types are
especially preferred because these are low cost natural receptors.
Combined formulas of the invention for use as a medicament, especially for the treatment
of diarrhea, are:
A therapeutical composition containing purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds
being or containing a pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected from the
pathogen receptors as defined in the formula
[Sacchl]mlGalpx(Fuca4)m2Glc[NAc]m3[P3Gal{p4Glc(NAc) n1}n2]n3[ßR2]n4 (I)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is GlcNAc03, Gala3, GalNAca4,
Gala4, or Neu5Xa3/6, wherein X is independently either Ac or Gc;
nl, n2, n3, n4, ml, m2, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3 and ml is 0 and m3 is 1,
m3 may be 0 only when Sacchl is Neu5Xa3, Neu5X Gala4,
when n4 is 1, then m3 is 0 and n3 is 0, and
when n4 is 0, then ml is 1 or m2 is 1 or n3 is 1;
R2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid, and
Sacchl is Gala or GalNAcß with the provision that when at least two receptors are
used these have at least one different variable selected from the group Sacchl, x,
m2, n4, with the provisio that not two sialic acid receptors or two neolacto
receptors are selected;
with the provision that when only one receptor according to formula (I) is used then
it is used together with at least one alpha-hexose receptor as defined in the formula
Hexap[(Hex wherein Hex is Gal or Man, n is independently 0 or 1, p and r are linkage position 3
or 6 between the Man residues, with the provision that when Hex is Man, then p is
3 and then r is 6, and when p is 6, then r is 3, and when Hex is Gal p is 4 and n is 0,
with the provision that when Hex is Gal it is not used with Galoa4Gal-receptor
according to the formula I.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to a therapeutical composition
containing purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a pathogen
inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected from the pathogen receptors according to the
Formula I, with the provision that when the non-reducing terminal activating sequence is
Gala4, GalNAcß4, Neu5Xa3, or Neu5Xa6 the compositions may comprise shorter
oligosaccharide sequences Gala4Gal, GalNAcß4Gal, Neu5Xa3Gal, or Neu5Xct6Gal,
respectively without the reducing end terminal Glc or GlcNAc. More preferably when the
terminal activating sequence is Gala4 the composition may comprise the partial epitope
Gala4Gal. The composition optionally further contains a Mannose receptor comprising the
oligosaccharide sequence Mana3[(Mana6)]nMan, wherein n is 0 or 1.
Lactose based activated structures
In a specific embodiment the present invention is directed to compositions and use
of natural type lactose comprising oligosaccharide sequences. This group includes the milk
type oligosaccharide sequences such as LNT, LNnT and sialyllactoses and the natural type
glycolipid core sequences Galct4Gal|34Glc, GalNAc|54Galß4Glc and the lactosylceramide
receptor with the hydroxyl fatty acid. The lactosamine groups Galß4GlcNAc and
Galß3GlcNAc can be considered as activating groups for the lactose residue of LNT and
LNnT and more elongated structures based thereof. The lactose residue was not observed
to have adhesion blocking activity aGalnst diarrhea causing E.coli. The lactose residue can
be however effectively activated to preferred high activity substances by adding at the
nonreducing side highly activating monosaccharide units GalNAcß4, Gala4, or NeuSXa3,
Neu5Xa6 or more elongated disaccharide units GalNAcß3Gala4, Galß3GalNAcß4 or
Galß4GlcNAcß3 or Galß3GlcNAcß3 or trisaccharide units Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAcß3,
Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAcß3, or GlcNAcß3. In seß4rate embodiments the non-reducing end
activating group is Lewis a structure Galß3(Fuca3)GlcNAcß3, or Gala4Galß4GlcNAcß3
or GalNAcß4Galß4GlcNAcß3. More preferably the non-reducing end activator structure is
selected from the frequently occurring sequences Gala4, Neu5Xa3, Neu5Xa6 or in more
elongated disaccharide units Galß4GlcNAcß3 or Galß3GlcNAcß3. A ceramide structure
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid according to the invention can be used as activating
structure at the reducing end. In a preferred embodiment these activating structures are
combined.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to therapeutical composition
containing purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a ß4thogen
inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected from the ß4thogen receptors as defined by the
simplified formula
[AllnoGalß4Glc[pA] (Ib)
wherein m3 and n4 are independently integers 0 or 1
wherein the natural type non-reducing end activator sequence AI is selected from the
group GalNAcß4, Gakx4, Neu5Xcc3, Neu5Xa6, GalNAcß3Gala4, Galß3GalNAcß4
Galß4GlcNAcß3, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß3GlcNAcß3, Neu5Xo3Galß4GlcNAcß3,
Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAcß3, and Galß3(Fuca3)GlcNAcß3, more preferably from the group
Gala4, Neu5Xa3, Neu5Xa6, Galß4GlcNAcß3 and Galß3GlcNAcß3,
and A2 is a ceramide cotaining a hydroxyl fatty acid according to the invention.
with the provision that the oligosaccharide sequences comprise at least Al or A2 or both.
When only two only Al containing oligosaccharide sequences are used, both of the A1
sequences are preferably not sialylated.
The composition optionally further contains a Mannose receptor oligosaccharide sequence
comprising the oligosaccharide sequence Mana3[(Mana6)]nMan, wherein n is 0 or 1.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to a therapeutical composition
containing purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a ß4thogen
inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected from the ß4thogen receptors as defined by the
formula
[Sacchl]mi[Galpx(Fuca4)m2GlcNAcß3]in3Galß4Glc[ß42]n4(lc)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is GlcNAcß3, Gala3, GalNAcß4, Gala4, or
Neu5Xa3/6, wherein X is independently either Ac or Gc;
n4, ml, m2, and xn3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3,
when Sacchl is GlcNAcß3 then m3 is 1 and x is 4, and
m3 may be 0 only when ml is 1 or when n4 is 1,
when n4 is 0, then ml is 1 or m3 is 1;
A2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide comprising a
hydroxyl fatty acid, and
with the provision that at least two receptors are selected so that these have at least one
different variable selected from the group Sacchl, x, m2, n4, preferably with the provisio
that not two sialic acid receptors are selected.
The composition optionally further contains a Mannose receptor comprising the
oligosaccharide sequence Mana3[(Mana6)]nMan, wherein n is 0 or 1.
The present invention is in a preferred embodiment directed to a composition comprising
at least two compounds described above by Formula lc when m2 is 0. The present
invention is in a preferred embodiment directed to a composition comprising at least two
compounds described above by Formula lc when n4 is 0.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to therapeutical composition
containing purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a ß4thogen
inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected from the ß4thogen receptors as defined by the
formula
[Sacchllm^GalpxGlcNAcpSlrfGa^Glcad)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is Gala4, Neu5Xa3 or Neu5Xa6, wherein X
is independently either Ac or Gc;
ml, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provision that either ml is 1 or m3 is 1,
with the provision that at least two receptors are selected so that these have at least one
different variable Sacchl or x, preferably with the provisio that not two sialic acid
receptors are selected. In a preferred embodiment NeuSX is NeuSAc.
The more preferred lactose based oligosaccharide sequences in compositions and for uses
according to the invention include preferred substances according to the formula lc:
Gala4Galß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galß4Glc, NeuNAca6Galß4Glc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc. In a preferred embodiment the preferred sialylated
structures according to formula 1 c include sialyllactosamines NeuNAca3Galß4GlcNAc,
NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAc. The seven highly preferred oligosaccharide sequences
according to the present invention thus include Gala4Galß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galß4Glc,
NeuNAca6Galß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galß4GlcNAc, NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAc,
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc.
In a preferred embodiment the preferred sialylated structures include one or all of the
common sialyl-oligosaccharides of bovine milk NeuNAca3Galß4Glc,
NeuNAca6Galß4Glc and NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAc. The bovine milk oligosaccharides
may be provided as a fraction of bovine milk as described by Nakamura et al., 2003. In a
seß4rate embodiment N-glycolylneuraminic acid containing oligosaccharide sequences are
preferred. The preferred N-glycolyl oligosaccharide sequences include
NeuNGca3Galß4Glc, NeuNGca6Galß4Glc, NeuNGca3Galß4GlcNAc and
NeuNGca6Galß4GlcNAc.
In a preferred embodiment lactose based oligosaccharide sequences in compositions and
for uses according to the invention include neutral oligosaccharide sequences
Gala4Galß4Glc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc (LNnT) and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
(LNT).
In a preferred embodiment at least one preferred sialylated oligosaccharide, preferably a
bovine milk fraction comprising sialylated oligosaccharides is used together with at least
one preferred neutral oligosaccharide.
In a preferred embodiment the composition is not human milk nor a fraction of human
milk oligosaccharides. Due to shortage of material and risks of infection human milk is not
a preferred source of oligosaccharides. In a preferred embodiment the composition of two
oligosaccharide sequences is not a human milk oligosaccharide fraction potentially
comprising a mixture of LNT and LNnT. Preferred binary combinations of most preferred
neutral oligosaccharides include compositions comprising LNnT and Gala4Galß4Glc, and
compositions comprising LNT and Gala4Gal|34Glc. In another preferred embodiment
compositions comprising LNnT are preferred over compositions comprising LNT, when a
regional infecting strain of bacterium is using LNnT specificity. LNnT is also preferred to
be used in monovalent inhibitor compositions, especially when low concentrations of the
inhibitors are used.
Use of the preferred structure as single substances
The present invention is specifically directed to use a single substance according to
Formula Id optionally with other structures according to the invention for inhibition of
diarrhea causing E. coli, preferably human diarrheagenic E. coli. More preferably the
invention is directed to inhibition of any non-toxin secreting diarrheagenic E. coli type
according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment monovalent oligosaccharides are
used, more preferably monovalent oligosaccharides are used under 2 mM final
concentration, more preferably under 1 mM concentration. In a specific embodiment
globotriose oligosaccharide is used as concentration under 0.3 mM or under 0.1 mM
concentration but preferably above 0.01 mM concentration.
In another embodiment the said oligosaccharides are used as soluble polyvalent conjuGates
containing a single oligosaccharide and optionally other carbohydrates according to the
invention. More preferably the oligosaccharide is used as polyvalent conjuGate to a soluble
oligosaccharide or polysaccharide according to the invention. The present invention is
further directed to use of the single oligosaccharide epitopes according to the invention for
treatment of diarrheas caused by any single type of E. coli according to the invention,
preferably EAEC and EIEC types of E. coli.
The preferred structures are multiply preferred according to the present invention for
example as frequent binding epitopes according to the invention. The availability of the
saccharides for effective commercial production and natural presence and acceptability as
natural type sequences makes the saccharide further preferable. The most preferred
oligosaccharide mixtures according to the invention are further preferred as monovalent
inhibitors of bacterial adhesion. The results showed that the Globo-receptors, Lacto-
receptors, sialic acid receptors and Neolacto-receptors are inhibitable at low concentrations
specifically by corresponding monovalent oligosaccharides. The use of the free
monovalent specific oligosaccharides as inhibitors of adhesion of diarrhea causing E. coli
has not previously been demonstrated. Furthermore active combinations of the free
preferred oligosaccharides were shown, for example the mixtures of globo-
oligosaccharides, LNnT, and sialyl-oligosaccharides were shown to be active low
concentration inhibitors in simultaneously on diarrhea causing E. coli. The present
invention also shows first time the simultaneous presence of multiple binding activities on
a specific diarrheagenic E.coli. Furthermore these form a structurally defined group of
activated lactose structures effective aGalnst different receptor structures of human
diarrheagenic bacteria.
The present invention is further directed to the use of receptor types from different of
contacts in infection as described by the invention. The first contact receptors are present
on the level of of glycoproteins and possibly largest glycolipids, while the second contact
receptors are present closer to the membrane on glycolipids as described by the invention.
A therapeutical composition according to the claim 1 comprising a purified fraction(s) of at
least two compounds being or containing a ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence
according to the formula I are selected from to the groups a) and b):
a) At least one first contact receptor of lacto, neolacto, fucose or sialic acid receptor
types
as defined in the formula
[Sacchl]m1Galpx(Fuca4)m2Glc[NAc]m3[ß3Gal{ß4Glc(NAc) ni}n2]n3 (IE)
x is linkage position 3 or 4,
Sacchl is either Neu5Xa3/6, wherein independently X is either Ac or Gc meaning
that the sialic acic is either Neu5Ac or Neu5Gc, or GlcNAcß3
wherein nl, n2, n3, ml, m2, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1;
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3,
that m3 may be 0 only when Sacchl Neu5Xa3/6.
and
b) At least one second contact receptor of
Lactosylceramide, ganglio-, or Gala4Gal-type receptors as defined in the formula
[Sacch4]mlGalß4Glc(NAc)nI[pR2]n3 (IV)
wherein nl, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1, with the proviso that when n3
is l.thennl is O;
ml is either 1 or 0, with the provisio that when n3 is 0 then ml is 1
R2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid, and
Sacch is Gala or GalNAcß
And optionally at least one alpha-hexose receptor as defined in the formula
Hexap[(Hexar)]nHex (II)
wherein
Hex is Gal or Man,
n is independently 0 or 1, p and r are linkage position 3 or 6 between the Man
residues, with the proviso that when Hex is Man then p is 3 and then r is 6, and
when p is 6 then r is 3 and when Hex is Gal p is 4 and n is 0, with the provisio that
when Hex is Gal it is not used with Gala4Gal-receptor according to the formula
IV;
for use as a medicament.
More preferred first contact recptors includes Sialyl-receptors, Lacto-receptors and
Neolacto-receptors. Among the second contact receptors the Gala4Gal-receptors are
especially preferred. In a specific embodiment the Mannose receptor is included in the
group of first contact receptors as the high-Mannose structures are presented by
glycoproteins.
The frequent binding specificities among gastric ß4thogens, especially
diarrhea causing E. coli.
The present invention is preferably directed to the use of most frequently occurring
binding specificities of diarrhea causing E. coli. The most frequent binding specifities
include Globo-receptors, Sialyl-receptors, Lacto-receptor, and Neolacto-receptors. The
frequent structures includes oligosaccharide sequences according to the formula:
[Sacchl]pGalpyGlc(NAc)rß3 {Galß4[Glc(NAc)u]v}s (V)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4,
wherein Sacchl is NeuNXct3 or NeuNXa6 or Gala4 or GlcNAcß3
with the proviso that
r may be 0 only when s is 0 and Sacch is NeuNXa3 or NeuNXa6 or Gala4.
Alternatively the Globo-receptors may be other terminal Gala4Gal-sequences.
Of the frequent binding specifities the Globo-receptors represent especially strong binding
and stabile binding. The Sialyl-receptors, Lacto-receptors, and Neolacto-receptors are also
preferred because of the stabile and strong bindings indicating increased importance during
infections. The inventors were also able to show that the binding specificities toward the
corresponding glycolipid sequences are inhibitable even by low concentrations of
monovalent oligosaccharides. The preferred frequent binding specificities include
activated strongly binding forms of the sequences, more preferably human and animal milk
oligosaccharides lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), sialyl-lactoses
NeuNAca3Lac, NeuNAca6Lac, sialyl-lactosamines NeuNAca3LacNAc,
NeuNAca6LacNAc and the elongated forms NeuNAcaGalß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc. Additionally human natural type oligosaccharide
sequences Gala4Gal|34Glc and carboxylic acid reduced pectin type sequences Gal[a4Gal]n
are preferred.
The present invention is preferably directed to the use of at least two oligosaccharide
sequences form different of the frequent binding specificities are used for inhibition of
diarrheagenic ß4thogen, preferably E. coli, more preferably the non-toxin secreting
diarrhegenic E. coli or less severe diarrhea causing E. coli. In a preferred embodiment at
least three oligosaccharide receptor types are used, and most preferably all four frequent
oligosaccharide receptor types are used.
In another preferred embodiment at least one of the receptor types used is a globoreceptor.
In another embodiment at least one of the receptor types used is a sialic acid receptor.
Preferably sialic acid receptor and Globo-receptor are used together, more preferably with
a Lacto-receptor or Neolactoreceptor.
In another preferred embodiment a Lacto-receptor is used together with a Neolacto-
receptors and additionally with a Globo-receptor or a sialic acid receptor.
In another preferred embodiment a sialic acid receptor is used together with a Neolacto-
receptor or a Lacto-receptor and optionally with a Globo-receptor. In a preferred
embodiment the milk type oligosaccharide receptors Lacto, Neolacto and sialic acid
receptor are used together.
The present invention is further directed to the use of any of the preferred combinations of
frequent binding epitopes with at least one of the other binding specificities including the
Lactosylceramide receptors, Mannose-receptors, Fucosyl-receptors and Ganglio-receptors.
In a preferred embodiment any of the preferred combinations of frequent receptors and the
Lactosylceramide-receptors are used together.
In a preferred embodiment any of the preferred combinations of frequent receptors and the
Mannose-receptors are used together.
In a preferred embodiment any of the preferred combinations of frequent receptors and the
Ganglio-receptors are used together.
The data of the invention was mainly obtained by using numerous different strains of
diarrhea causing E. coli. The generality of the intestinal receptors was further studied with
several types of zoonotic Helicobacter species. The inventors were able to find at least five
overlapping binding specificities with the E. coli specificities. These include
Lactosylceramide-receptors, Lacto-receptors, Neolacto-receptors, Ganglio-receptors and
Sialic acid receptors. These receptors are likely to be common with human and many pet
and cattle animals.
General receptors with activity aGalnst potentially zoonotic ß4thogens
The group of receptors is preferred as "general receptors" m. diarrheas with zoonotic
potential. The most stable expression of the general receptors was shown by the neutral
galactose based receptors. Among this family lactose/lactosamine receptors form a special
structurally similar class of receptors.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is a therapeutical composition wherein at least
one of said compounds comprises a ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence selected
from a further group of pathogen receptors:
i) [Galpy]p[Hex(NAc)raz/pz],Galpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (VI)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and z is either linkage position 3 or 4, and Hex is
either Gal or Glc,
so that
when v is 1 and u is 0 then x is 4,
when v is 0 then s is 1 and preferably also p is 1,
when s is 0 the also p is 0 and v is 1,
when p is 1, and y=3, Hex is Galp or GlcP and r=l, or p is 1 and y=4 and Hex is Glcp and
r=l so that the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to GlcNAcp or the terminal Gal is ß3-
Hnked to GalNAcp),
when p is 0 and z is 4, then Hex is Galp and r is 1 so that the terminal monosaccharide
structure is GalNAcß4, or p =0 and z=3 so that the terminal is HexNAc/Hexa/ß3),
when there is nonreducing terminal Galß3/4, this can be further substituted by SAa3/6,
wherein SA is a sialic acid, preferably NeuNAc, N-acetylneuraminic acid, or NeuNGc, N-
glycolylneuraminic acid,
preferably together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and adjuvants.
Preferred neutral galactose based general receptors according to the invention
According to the present invention the Galactoseß3/4 -based general receptors include
structures according to the formula:
[Galpy]p[Hex(NAc)roz/pz]sGalpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (VII)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and z is either linkage position 3 or 4, and Hex is
either Gal, or Glc,
so that
when v is 1 and u is 0 then x is 4,
when v is 0 then s is 1 and preferably also p is 1
when s is 0 the also p is 0 and v is 1
when p is 1, and y=3, Hex is Galp or Glcp and r=l, or p is 1 and y=4 and Hex is Glcp and
r=l so that the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to GlcNAcp or the terminal Gal is ß3-
linkedtoGalNAcP),
when p is 0 and z is 4, then Hex is Galp and r is 1 so that the terminal monosaccharide
structure is GalNAcß4, or p =0 and z=3 so that the terminal is HexNAc/Hexa/fJ3).
Major general receptor types according to the invention
The formula above is further divided to major structure groups including
1. Lactose/lactosamine type carbohydrate receptor
This group further includes Lactose- receptors, and lactosamine receptors including
Lacto-receptors, and Neolacto receptors
2. Ganglio-receptors
3. Sialic acid receptor
Preferred lactose/lactosamine type general receptors
[GalßylptHextNAc^lsGalßxtGlcCNAcMv (VIII)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and a is either alpha or beta, and Hex is either Gal or
Glc.
so that
when p is 1, Hex is Glcp and r=l, and a is ß (the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to
GlcNAcß3)
when p is 0, then preferably
Hex is Gal, r is 0 and a is alpha (terminal structure is Gala3) or
Hex is Glc, r is 1 and a is beta (terminal structure is GlcNAcß3)
In a preferred embodiment the lactose/lactosamine type general receptors are according to
the formula:
[Galpy]p[GlcNAcß3],Galpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (IX)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, so that
at least pis 1 or vis 1,
when pis 1, sis 1
When u is 0 and s is 0 and p is 0, x is 4 and the reducing end Glc is linked to ceramide
comprising a hydroxylfatty acid.
Most preferred lactose/lactosamine general receptors include
the human milk tetrasaccharides Galß4GlcNAc(33Gal|34Glc and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
and lactosylceramides.
The preferred lactosamine structures also include
oligosaccharide sequences and oligosaccharides from the group Galß4GlcNAc,
Galß3GlcNAc, Galß4Glc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal,
And GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, and
Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc.
For effective treatment of emerging and present diarrheagenic ß4thogens the all eight
receptor specificities are useful. When the ß4thogen is not E. coli the general presence of
mannose binding is demonstrated in the prior art works with Salmonella. The present
invention allows to predict that the Gala4Gal-oligosaccharide sequence including binding
specificities and even the Fucosyl-receptor type binding specificities will be found in
human intestinal ß4thogen causing diarrheas.
When considering together the preferred receptor groups, the Lacto-receptors and
Neolacto-receptors belong to first contact receptors, frequent receptos and general
receptors. This makes the use and combined use of the Lacto- and Neolacto-receptors
especially in activated forms such as LNT and LNnT especially preferred according to the
invention.
The inventors characterized eight different binding specificities to a large number of
diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria and several corresponding receptors in human intestinal
tissues. The oligosaccharide sequences include one or several of the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences selected from the following groups:
Eight seß4rate receptor oligosaccharide sequences of intestinal ß4thogens:
a) Lactosylceramide receptors: for example binding to lactosylceramide and
isoglobotriaosylceramide when the ceramides comprise hydroxylfatty acids.
b) Ganglio-receptors: for example binding to gangliotriaosylceramide and
gangliotetraosylceramide.
c) Gala4Gal-receptors: for example binding to galabiaosylceramide,
globotriaosylceramide, globotetraosylceramide and the Forssman
glycosphingolipid.
d) Lacto-receptors: for example binding to lactotetraosylceramide.
e) Neolacto-receptors: for example binding to neolactotetraosylceramide,
neolactohexaosylceramide, NeuGca3-neolactohexaosylceramide and
oligosaccharide sequences comprising GlcNAcß3Gal, especially
GlcNAc|J3Gal£J4GlcNAc.
f) Fucosyl-receptors: for example binding to the Lea-5 glycosphingolipid.
h) Sialic acid-receptors: for example binding to various oligosaccharide sequences
with different sialic acid, especially N-acetylneuraminic acid NeuAca- and/or N-
glycolymeuraminic acid, NeuGca.
g) Mannose receptors: represented by the Mana3(Mana6)Man-neoglycolipid.
Preferred oligosaccharide sequences among the receptor groups
The present invention is preferentially directed to the use of a free oligosaccharide or
derivatives thereof which are not glycolipids except for the hydroxylfatty acid comprising
lactosylceramide glycolipids as described below. In general the glycolipids may diffuse to
tissues and actually increase ß4thogen binding and the formulations to prevent this are
considered difficult to produce. The hydroxyl group in the ceramides of the
lactosylceramide glycolipids according to the present invention allows stronger contact
between the glycolipids which would more effectively keep these together for example in
membrane-like formulations and avoid diffusion to intestinal epithelium. The preferred
polyvalent conjuGates described by the invention are not neoglycoproteins such as albumin
conjuGates which are potent immunogens and can be used in causing immune responses.
The polyvalent conjuGates according to the present invention are preferably non-
immunogenic and preferably do not contain immunogenic protein or peptide ß4rts.
Lactosvlceramide receptors
The lactosylceramide receptors of the diarrhea causing E. coli depend on the presence of
hydroxyl fatty acid on the ceramide. The present invention is directed to the use of
lactosylceramides comprising hydroxy fatty acids aGalnst E. coli infections. The
lactosylceramide receptors according to the present invention means a lactose residue
comprising molecule in which lactosyl residue is linked to a ceramide structure comprising
a natural type of hydroxylfatty acid or alternatively lactosylceramide receptor means
mimetic structure of lactosylceramide in which the lactosyl residue is linked to a hydroxyl
group comprising a ceramide-mimicking structure. The hydroxyl group of the hydroxyl
fatty acid or ceramide mimicking structure preferentially forms a hydrogen bond with Glc-
residues linked to ceramide or ceramide-mimicking structure. The lactosylceramide or
mimetic structure can be substituted at position 3 or 4 of the Gal residue by natural type
oligosaccharide sequences. The lactosylceramide receptor glycolipids also includes lacto-
and neolactoseries glycolipids comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid. In other embodiments the
present invention is also directed to the use of globo- and ganglioseries glycolipids
comprising a lactosyl residue and a hydroxylfatty acid. The present invention is also
directed to the use of analogs of lacto- or neolactoseries oligosaccharide sequences linked
to the hydroxyl group comprising ceramide-mimicking structure. The present invention is
also directed to the use of analogs of globo- or ganglioseries oligosaccharide sequences
linked to the hydroxyl group comprising ceramide-mimicking structure. In a preferred
embodiment the invention is directed to the use of non-sialylated forms of
lactosylceramide receptors according to the present invention. The preferred embodiments
include molecules according to the following Formula
RixGalß4GlcßR2 (X)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4,
R2 is ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide comprising a
hydroxyl fatty acid and
Ri is Gala, Galp, GalNAcß, GlcNAcß or longer oligosaccharide comprising one of these
residues at the reducing end or NeuSXa with the proviso that when R2 is GlcNAcß or
NeuSXa then x is 3 and Neu5X is sialic acid preferably NeuSAc or NeuSGc.
The present invention is directed to substances and compositions comprising polyvalent
conjuGates of lactosylceramide receptor and especially polyvalent conjuGates of a mimetic
structure of lactosylceramide according to the present invention. Especially polyvalent
conjuGates of mimetic structures of lactosylceramide are preferred when the
lactosylceramide or mimetic structure of lactosylceramide is linked to a polysaccharide,
optionally throuGh a sß4cer group. In a specific embodiment the use of polyvalent
conjuGates are preferred over the use of lactosylceramide glycolipids. Use of glycolipids is
more difficult as there is need to prevent the diffusion of the receptors to tissues. The
prevention can be, however, achieved for example by incorporating the glycolipids in
medical carbon matrix or in a stabile membrane or micellar structures.
It is realized that two or even three or more receptor binding specificities according to the
invention can be presented by a single lactosylceramide receptor.
The present invention is also directed to the use of lactosylceramide comprising
hydroxylfatty acids and analogs and derivatives thereof for therapy of gastrointestinal
diseases, especially diarrheas and more specifically diarrheas caused by E. coli bacteria. In
preferred embodiments the infection is caused by ETEC, EPEC, EHEC, EIEC, or EAEC,
more preferentially hy EHEC, EIEC or EAEC. In a preferred embodiment the present
invention is directed to the use of a milk fraction comprising lactosylceramide comprising
a hydroxylfatty acid. The milk is preferentially from a dairy animal such as a cow or any
other dairy animal or milk producing animal which produces hydroxyl fatty acid-
containing lactosylceramide. The prior art discussed above has been directed to the use of
some milk glycolipids but the prior art does not realize the usefulness of the hydroxylfatty
acid-containing glycolipids aGalnst diarrhea-causing E. coli bacteria. The lactosylceramide
receptors according to the present invention are especially useful for functional food or
feeds as nutritional additives.
Ganglio-receptors
Preferred ganglioseries receptor comprises oligosaccharide sequences according to the
Formula
[Galß3]nlGalNAc[ß4Gal {ß4Glc}n2]n3 (XI)
wherein nl, n2 and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1, preferably with the proviso that at
least nl or n3 is 1 and with the proviso that no sialic acids are linked to the oligosaccharide
sequence.
The preferred oligosaccharide sequences are Galß3GalNAcß4Gal|34Glc,
Galß3GalNAcß4Gal, Galß3GalNAc, GalNAcß4Gal and GalNAcß4Galß4Glc. Even GM1
oligosaccharide sequence can be used according to the present invention in novel
combination therapies but it is less preferred due to complexity of the structure.
The screening of wide variety of ganglioseries and comß4rison of the structures in
examples of the present invention allows the determination of Gal|33GalNAc as a novel
preferred novel receptor oligosaccharide sequences of the ganglioseries receptor
oligosaccharide sequences. The data indicates that even terminal Galß3GalNAc in GM1-
sequence can bind to diarrhea causing E. coli. The binding to the terminal disaccharide has
previously not been demonstrated and the tetrasaccharide epitopes may be used in
formulations which allows more effective presentation of the terminal disaccharide.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the Galß3GalNAc is preferably not ß4
linked to lactose. The disaccharide epitope is in general cheaper to produce than the
tetrasacharide epitope. More preferably the oligosaccharide sequence is Galß3GalNAcP
with proviso that the disaccharide epitope is not linked to lactose or Galß3GalNAcß4Gal,
with proviso that the reducing end Gal is not linked to glucose.
The novel ganglio receptors comprise the terminal disaccharide Galß3GalNAc with the
proviso that the disaccharide is not ß4 linked to lactose. The disaccharide epitope is, in
general, cheaper to produce than the tetrasacharide epitope. More preferably, the
oligosaccharide sequence is Galß3GalNAcP with the proviso that the disaccharide epitope
is not linked to lactose or Galß3GalNAcß4Gal, with the proviso that the reducing end Gal
is not linked to glucose. The terminal disaccharide and trisaccharide sequences have not
been previously described as receptors for diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria nor as receptors
for EPEC-bacteria. The use of terminal disaccharides is preferred to the known
tetrasaccharide receptors because of the more cost-effective synthesis.
Galot4Gal- receptors
Preferred epitopes of the invention are Gala4Gal, Gala4Gal|34Glc and
Gala4Galß4GlcNAc. The present invention also shows that 3"-substituted forms of
Gala4Gal-sequences such as the globoside and forssman antigen can be commonly
recognized. Preferred Gala4Gal receptors comprise one or several oligosaccharide
sequences according to the Formula
[GalNAcß3]n1,Gala4Gal{ß4Glc(NAc) n3 (XII)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1, in a preferred embodiment with
the proviso that either nl is 1 or n3 is 1 and the GalNAc residue is optionally further
substituted by other monosaccharide or oligosaccharide residues, preferably similar to
natural oligosaccharide sequences such as Forssman antigen. More preferred
oligosaccharide receptors are Gala4Gal, Gala4Galß4Glc and Gala4Galß4GlcNAc as
these are synthetically more simple to produce, disaccharide Gala4Gal and pectin based
oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention or other similar natural
oligosaccharide sequences such as oligosaccharide sequence present in okra plant are
especially preferred.
Lacto-receptors
Preferred lacto series receptors comprise one or several oligosaccharide sequences
according to the Formula
Galß3GlcNAc[ß3Gal{ß4Glc(NAc) n1}n2]n3 (XIII)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1. In preferred embodiments at
least n3 is 1. Most preferred oligosaccharide sequences referred here as high affinity
receptors include oligosaccharide sequences Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal,
Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc and
Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß3GlcNAc. The use of lactotetraose Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
optionally with other milk oligosaccharide such as Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and/or
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and/or GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, is
especially preferred for therapeutical uses and especially for food, feed, and other
nutritional uses.
The present invention finds out that the whole LNT sequence Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc is
preferably used for effective inhibition of the Lacto binding. Data in examples showed that
the disaccharide epitope Galß3GlcNAc, suGgested in the prior art, alone could not support
effective binding similarily as the epitope in the corresponding glycolipid. When the
binding epitope was blocked by p6-GlcNAc in a neoglycolipid structure. The present
invention is specifically directed to the use of Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc as monovalent
inhibitor and as soluble polyvalent inhibitor of diarrhea causing E. coli. It is realized that
the substance can be useful even as a single substance as it is a frequent binding
specificity.
Neolacto-receptors
Preferred neolacto series receptors comprise one or several oligosaccharide sequences
according to the Formula
[GlcNAcß3]niGalß4GlcNAc[|33Gal {ß4Glc(NAc) n2UU (XIV)
wherein nl, n2, n3 and n4 are independently integers 0 or 1, when nl is 1, the non-
reducing terminal GlcNAc according to the formula can be further substituted by another
monosaccharide residue or oligosaccharide residues, preferably by Galß4 or
GlcNAcß3Galß4. In preferred embodiments of the invention at least n4 is 1 or nl is 1.
Most preferred oligosaccharide sequences referred here as high affinity receptors include
oligosaccharide sequences GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Gal,
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc,
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, and GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc.
Preferred GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc-structures include oligosaccharide sequences, which
are P6-linked from the reducing end, especially GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcP6Gal,
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6GalNAc,GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcP6GlcNAc,
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6Glc and GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6Man. The use of
neolactotetraose Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc is especially preferred for therapeutical uses
and especially for food, feed, and other nutritional uses.
The present invention finds out that the whole LNnT sequence Galß4GlcNAcß3Gal(34Glc
is preferably used for effective inhibition of the Neolacto binding. Data in examples
showed that the disaccharide epitope Galß4GlcNAc, suGgested in the prior art, alone could
not support effective binding. The branched
Galß4GlcNAcß3(Galß4GlcNAcp6)Galß4GlcpCer could not support the binding even
there is two of the disaccharide epitopes as the middle galactose is blocked by the branch.
When the binding epitope was changed by a p6-structure in neoglycolipids
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc to GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6Galß4Glc the binding
was also very much weakened. The present invention is specifically directed to the use of
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc as monovalent
inhibitor and as soluble polyvalent inhibitor of diarrhea causing E. coli. It is realized that
the substance can be useful even as a single substance as it is a frequent binding
specificity.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to uses of neolacto binding sequences
comprising terminal-GlcNAc structures such as GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc and
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc. It is realized that even the terminal disaccharide
sequence GlcNAcß3Gal can be used according to the invention, thouGh with less activity.
It is also found for the first time that linear ß3-linked poly-N-acetyllactoasmines,
Galß4GlcNAc[ß3Galß4GlcNAc]nß3Galß4Glc where in n is integer and n>=l, are
receptors for diarrhea causing E.coli strains, the terminal Gal can be substituted by other
monosaccharide residues, for example Neu5Xa3 or GlcNAcß3. Preferred monovalent
inhibitors comprises GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, which has been reported from
milk of buffalo, the common milk oligosaccharide Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and
mixtures comprising GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc.
Fucosvl-receptors
Preferred fucosyl receptors comprise one or several oligosaccharide sequences according
to the Formula
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAc[ß3Gal{ß4Glc(NAc) n1}n2]n3 (XV)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1. In preferred embodiments at
least n3 is 1. More preferred oligosaccharide sequences of the invention are
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc and
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc The use of Lewis a pentasaccharide
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc is especially preferred for therapeutical uses and
especially for food, feed, and other nutritional uses.
Sialic acid receptor
In the broadest sense the sialic acid receptor may be any sialic acid in natural type
glycoconjuGates. The sialic acid is preferably N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid or N-acetyl-
neuraminic acid.
The present invention recognizes specific sialic acid which can bind effectively to the
diarrhea causing ß4thogens, especially diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria.
The preferred sialic acid receptor oligosaccharide sequences are according to the Formula
Neu5XapGalpr[(Fucas)]m Glc(NAc)n2 (XVI)
wherein independently X is either Ac or Gc meaning that the sialic acic is either Neu5Ac
or Neu5Gc, nl and n2 are either 0 or 1, p is linkage position 3 or 6,
r and s are linkage positions 3 or 4 with provision that when r is 3 then s is 4 and when r is
4 then s=3. More preferred oligosaccharide sequences includes one or several of the group:
Neu5Xa3Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAc, and Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)GlcNAc,
Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)Glc, Neu5Xa3Galß3GlcNAc, Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAc,
Neu5X Ac or Gc. The use of one or several of the milk type oligosaccharides such as
Neu5Xct3Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, sialyl-Lewis a
hexasaccharide Neu5Xa3Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc or sialyl-Lewis x
hexasaccharide Neu5Xct3Galß4(Fuca3)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc or sialyl-lactoses
Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)Glc, Neu5Xa3Galß4Glc Neu5Xa6Galß4Glc is especially
preferred for therapeutical uses and especially for food, feed, and other nutritional uses.
When the oligosaccharide sequences are used in human applications, it is preferred in a
specific embodiment of the invention to use a natural human type of oligosaccharides
wherein X is Ac and NeuSX is therefore NeuS Ac. In another embodiment aiming for
inhibition of human-animal cross-reactive strains with higher efficacy X is Gc and the
sialic acid is NeuGc.
The present invention is specifically directed to exact sialic acid binding specificities
toward sialyllactoses Neu5Xa3Galß4Glc, Neu5Xa6Galß4Glc, sialylactosamines
Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAc, Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAc and their elongated forms
Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc has not been
previously characterized. The invention also showed effective inhibition of the binding
specificities at reasonable low concentrations of oligosaccharides. In seß4rate embodiment
the present invention is specifically directed to use of Neu5Xa3- sialyllactose or
sialyllactosamine, especially Neu5Xa3Galß4Glc, Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAc,
Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAc and Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc for inhibition of
diarrhea causing E.coli.
In seß4rate embodiment the present invention is specifically directed to the use of
Neu5Xa6- sialyllactose or sialyllactosamine, especially Neu5Xa6Galß4Glc,
Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAc, and Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc for inhibition of
diarrhea causing E.coli. The Neu5Xa6-structures are especially preferred for their high
activity. In a specific embodiment NeuNAc-containing oligosaccharides are used because
their presence as natural sequence in human and human milk. In another embodiment
NeuGc-containing oligosaccharides are used. The sialyl oligosaccharides from animal
milks are especially preferred, especially sialyl-lactoses and Neu5Aca6Galß4GlcNAc
from bovine milk, furthermore a purified fraction comprising enriched amounts of one or
several of the sialyl-oligosaccharides of bovine milk are preferred. A fraction containing
Neu5Xa6-structures is especially preferred. The invention realizes for the first time the
usefulness of the sialyl-oligosaccharides aGalnst human diarrhea, especially diarrheas
according to the invention, especially when caused by E. coli. It is realized that the
sialyloligosaccharides may be also used as single substances or as mixtures thereof.
It is realized that the sialyloligosaccharides are useful monovalent inhibitors of E. coli and
can be used as polyvalent soluble conjuGates. The sialic acid oligosaccharides may be used
for inhibition of non-toxic E.coli.
In a seß4rate embodiment the present invention is directed compositions comprising
polysialic acid type sequences, preferably comprising oligosaccharide sequence
Neu5NAca8NeuNAc, called here polysialic acid compositions. The polysialic acid
sequences in polysialic acid compositions may also or alternatively comprise
oligosaccharide sequence Neu5NAca9NeuNAc. Preferably the polysialic acid sequence is
not present on a glycolipid type sequence. In another preferred embodiments the polysialic
acid substance comprising the oligosaccharide sequences Neu5NAca8NeuNAc and/or
Neu5NAca9NeuNAc also fulfil following criteria:
1. at least 95 % of sialic acid oligosaccharides are at least ten sialic acid residues
long or
2. at least 95 % of sialic acid oligosaccharide are at least three sialic acid
residues long or
3. at least 95 % of sialic acid oligosaccharides are less than ten sialic acid
residues long and more preferably an oligosaccharide composition comprising -
at least 95 % of sialic acid oligosaccharides which are less than five sialic
acid residues long or
4. at least 80 % of sialic acid oligosaccharides are at least two sialic acid
residues long but less than less than six sialic acid residues long
Polysialic acid polysaccharide or oligosaccharides/precursors for oligosaccharide
production can be produced by bacteria, for example by colomnic acid producing E. coli.
The polysialic acid type oligosaccharide substances comprise Neu5NAca8NeuNAc and/or
Neu5NAca9NeuNAc oligosaccharide sequences, preferably the polysialic acid-type
oligosaccharide sequences comprises therapeutic oligosaccharides comprising
Neu5NAca8NeuNAc and/or Neu5NAca9NeuNAc oligosaccharide sequences. The
polysialic acid-type oligosaccharide substances comprise preferably two to ten sialic acid
residues.
The present invention is also directed to polysialic acid-type oligosacharide substances or
polysialic acid compositions for therapeutic uses or for use as medicine. The substances
and compositions are especially directed for non-vaccine theraphautic uses and medicines.
The present invention is also directed for use polysialic acid-type oligosacharide
substances for preß4ration of medicines and therapeutic compositions aGalnst diarrheas and
compositions for ex vivo uses as described by the present invention.
Mannose receptor
The mannose receptor according to the present invention comprises ManaMan structures.
The preferred mannose receptor oligosaccharide sequences are according to the
Formula
Manap[(Manar)]n1Man (XVII)
wherein independently n is 0 or 1, p and r are linkage positions 3 or 6 between the Man
residues, with proviso that when p is 3 then r is 6 and when p is 6 then r is 3. Preferred
mannose receptor oligosaccharide sequences includes the structures: Mana3(Mana6)Man
and Mana3Man. In a specific embodiment the oligosaccharide sequence is
Mana3Manß4GlcNAc or Mana3Manß4GlcNAcß4GlcNAc. In a preferred embodiment
the reducing end residue of Mana3(Mana6)]Man is in open chain form, in reduced form
or derivatized in open chain form, for example reductively aminated to a sß4cer or carrier.
In a preferred embodiment mannose comprising mannan or phoshomannan oligosaccharide
sequence is used. The mannan or phoshomannan comprises preferentially a-linked
mannose. The mannan or phosphomannan is preferably from non-harmful yeast such as
baker"s yeast (S. cerevisiae).
Results about the binding specificities of diarrhea causing Helicobacter species
The major aim of the present invention is to provide therapies for diarrheas caused by
various types of ß4thogens. The inventor chose diarrhea causing Helicobacter species to
reveal receptor types which could be shared with totally different types of bacteria and
could be involved even zoonotic infections spreading from other species. The zoonotic
Helicobacter species are targets for developing also animal therapies, especially for
preventing zoonotic infections. The present invention finds out special classes of receptors
which are associated with risk of zoonotic infections. These include a family of galactose
based receptors with possible sialic acid modifications.
The present invention is also related to non~H.pylori Helicobacter species, especially to
enteroheß4tically infecting ones causing diarrheas and liver diseases. Typically these bacteria,
referred as zHelicobacter (zHelicobacteria in plural), are zoonotically active infecting both human
and animals, such as cattle and pets, preferred pet animals are cats and dogs. In a seß4rate
embodiment the present invention is directed to the treatment of gastric infections caused by
zHelicobacteria. The prior art is directed to different species of gastric bacteria such as H. pylori,
H. mustelae (a non-zoonotic gastric ß4thogen of ferrets), and various non-Helicobacter species
infecting the intestinal tract such as various types of Escherichia coli causing diarrheas. Different
species of bacteria have different binding specificities and the receptors of zHelicobacteria are not
known from prior art. Especially big differences could be expected between bacteria infecting
different localizations in gastrointestinal tract or belonging to totally different families such as
Helicobacter and E. coli. The present invention revealed different binding specificity profiles
between zHelicobacter and H. pylori. The zoonotic bacteria reveal a specific group of receptors of
zoonotic bacteria.
The group of zHelicobacter does not include species-specific human Helicobacter pylori.
The present invention is further not directed to the infection of ferrets by H. mustelae as
this is not an infection of a pet animal or cattle with a risk of zoonosis due to contact with
human. The zHelicobacteria are infecting human and/or, preferably and, pet animals of
human and have zoonotic caß4city to infect humans, especially persons with weak immune
system. The present invention characterizes the carbohydrate binding specificities of
zHelicobacter which are able to mediate the cross-species infective actions of the bacteria.
Overview of results
The inventors analysed binding specificities of several zHelicobacter species towards a
library of glycolipids in a TLC-overlay assay.
It has been established previously that both H. pylori and H. mustelae bind
gangliotetraosylceramide binding was demonstrated for H.felis, H. canis and H. heß4ticus
and H. bilis (Table 3). Furthermore, in common with H. pylori we found that both gastric
and enteroheß4tic Helicobacter spp. tested were caß4ble of binding to
lactotetraosylceramide, lactosylceramide with phytosphingosine and/or hydroxy fatty acids
and isoglobotriaosylceramide. In contrast, binding to Leb glycosphingolipid was only
observed for H. pylori CCuG 17875 (Table 3).
The binding of certain H. pylori strains to slow-migrating gangliosides in the acid
glycosphingolipid fraction of human granulocytes is sialic acid-dependent (Miller-Podraza
et al., 1999), and this fraction was therefore used as an indicator of sialic acid-recognition.
The sialylated structures in human granulocytes are mainly NeuNAca3Gal- and
NeuNAca6Gal. Binding to this fraction was noted for H. heß4ticus CCuG 33637
(exemplified in Fig. 4B. lane 1) and H. pylori CCuG 17874 and occasionally for H.
mustelae CCuG 25715 (Table 3). Sialic acid binding caß4city assayed by other substances
is also present in some species oiH. bilis.
The zHelicobacter species were further observed to bind a linear polylactosamine
glycolipid. The binding epitope is in the polylactosamine backbone as the removal of the
specific terminal does not essentially effect the binding.
The present invention noticed that the carbohydrate specificities are also observable by
various other methods in addition to the glycolipid assays. The binding were observable by
assay involving protein type glycoconjuGates even in cell based assay including traditional
cell assay with cells from various species. These assays give results supporting the analysis
of glycolipids.
Preferred carbohydrate structures to be used aGalnst zoonotic infections of zHelicobacter
according to invention
P-Galactose based reseptors
According to the present invention the most common binding specificity of profile of the
zHelicobacter species Galactoseß3/4 -based receptor includes structures according to the
formula:
[Galßy]p[Hex(NAc)raz/ßx[Glc(NAc)u]v (VI)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and z is either linkage position 3 or 4, and Hex is
either Gal, or Glc,
so that
when v is 1 and u is 0 then x is 4,
when v is 0 then s is 1 and preferably also p is 1
when s is 0 the also p is 0 and v is 1
when p is 1, and y=3, Hex is Galp or GlcP and r=l, or p is 1 and y=4 and Hex is Gkp and
r=l so that the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to GlcNAcP or the terminal Gal is ß3-
Hnked to GalNAcß),
when p is 0 and z is 4, then Hex is Galp and r is 1 so that the terminal monosaccharide
structure is GalNAcß4, or p =0 and z=3 so that the terminal is HexNAc/Hexa/ß3),
when there is nonreducing terminal Galß3/4, this can be further substituted by SAa3/6,
wherein SA is a sialic acid, preferably NeuNAc, N-acetylneuraminic acid.
p-Galactose based reseptors. a combination formula:
Collectively the Galactoseß3/4 -based receptors is an oligosaccharide sequence according
to formula
[Galpy]p[Hex(NAc)raz/ßz]sGalpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (XVIII)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and z is either linkage position 3 or 4 or 6, and Hex is
either Gal, Glc or SA (sialic acid),
so that
when v is 1 and u is 0 then x is 4
when v is 0 then s is 1 and preferably also p is 1,
when s is 0 the also p is 0 and v is 1
when p is 1, and y=3, Hex is Galp or GlcP and r=l, or p is 1 and y=4 and Hex is Glcp and
r=l (the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to GlcNAcp or the terminal Gal is ß3-linked to
GalNAcp),
when Hex is SA, z is either 3 or 6, preferably 3,
when p is 0 and z is 4, then Hex is Galp and r is l(the terminal monosaccharide structure is
GalNAcß4), or p =0 and z=3 (the terminal is HexNAc/Hexa/ß3), or
Hex is SA, z is 3 or 6 and the terminal structure is SA In a preferred embodiment the Galp-type receptor activity is a neutral oligosaccharide
sequence not comprising sialic acid. In an embodiment the terminal p =0, Hex is sialic acid
(SA), preferably, NeuNAc (N-acetylneuraminic acid) a3- or a6-linked.
Preferred neutral galactose based receptors according to the invention
According to the present invention the most common binding specificity profile of the
zHelicobacter species Galactoseß3/4 -based receptor includes structures according to the
formula:
[Galpy]p[Hex(NAc)raz/ßz]sGalpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (VII)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and z is either linkage position 3 or 4, and Hex is
either Gal, or Glc,
so that
when v is 1 and u is 0 then x is 4,
when v is 0 then s is 1 and preferably also p is 1
when s is 0 the also p is 0 and v is 1
when p is 1, and y=3, Hex is Galp or Glcp and r=l, or p is 1 and y=4 and Hex is GlcP and
r=l so that the terminal Gal is ß3- or (34- linked to GlcNAcp or the terminal Gal is ß3-
linked to GalNAcP),
when p is 0 and z is 4, then Hex is Galp and r is 1 so that the terminal monosaccharide
structure is GalNAcß, or p =0 and z=3 so that the terminal is HexNAc/Hexct/ß3).
Major receptor types according to the invention
The formula above is further divided to major structure groups including
4. Lactose/lactosamine type carbohydrate receptor
This group further includes Lactose- receptors, and lactosamine receptors including
Lacto-receptors, andNeolacto receptors
5. Ganglio-receptors
6. Sialic acid receptor
Preferred lactose/lactosamine type receptors for zHelicobacter
[Galpy]p[Hex(NAc)ra3]aGalpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (VIII)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, and a is either alpha or beta, and Hex is either Gal or
Glc.
so that
when p is 1, Hex is Glcp and r=l, and a is ß (the terminal Gal is ß3- or ß4- linked to
GlcNAcß3)
when p is 0, then preferably
Hex is Gal, r is 0 and a is alpha (terminal structure is Galct3) or
Hex is Glc, r is 1 and a is beta (terminal structure is GlcNAcß3)
In a preferred embodiment the lactose/lactosamine type receptors for zHelicobacter are
according to the formula:
[GalPy]p[GlcNAcß3]sGalpx[Glc(NAc)u]v (IX)
wherein p, r, s, u and v are each independently 0 or 1, and y is either linkage position 3 or
4, x is either linkage position 3 or 4, so that
at least pis 1 or vis 1,
when p is 1, s is 1
When u is 0, x is 4 and the reducing end Glc is preferably linked to hydroxyl.
Most preferred lactose/lactosamine structures include
the human milk tetrasaccharides Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
and lactosylceramides.
The preferred lactosamine structures also include
oligosaccharide sequences and oligosaccharides from the group Galß4GlcNAc,
Galß3GlcNAc, GalpMGlc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal,
And GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, and
Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc.
The five receptor subgroups according to the invention for prevention of zoonotic ß4thogen
especially for zHelicobacter
a) Lactose receptors
b) Lacto-receptors
c) Neolacto-receptors
d) Ganglio-receptors
e) Sialic acid-receptors
The present invention is also directed to the use of the five receptor types in combination
so that at least 2 receptors are used. It is also preferred to use any of the receptor subtypes
together with another receptor type. It is preferred to use Lactose receptor together with
lactosamine receptor and/or ganglio-receptor and/or sialic acid receptor. It is further
preferred to use Lactose/lactosamine receptor together with a ganglioreceptor and/or sialic
acid receptor.
The present invention relates to a therapeutical composition comprising a purified
fractions) of at least one, and in another embodiments of at least two or at least three
compounds being or containing a ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence. When
several oligosaccharide sequences are used, these are preferably selected from at least two,
and in another embodiment from at least two, of the groups of ß4thogen receptors
described above.
Lactose receptors
In broadest sense lactose receptors are structures comprising oligosaccharide sequence
Galß4Glc. In a preferred embodiment lactose receptors are lactosylceramide receptors
wherein the lactose structure is linked to a ceramide. More preferably there is a hydroxyl
fatty acid structure present on the ceramide. The present invention is especially directed to
the use of lactose receptors especially lactosylceramides comprising hydroxy fatty acids
aGalnst zHelicobacter infections.
The lactosylceramide receptors according to the present invention means a lactose residue
comprising molecule in which lactosyl residue is linked to a ceramide structure comprising
a natural type of hydroxylfatty acid or alternatively lactosylceramide receptor means a
mimetic structure of lactosylceramide in which the lactosyl residue is linked to a hydroxyl
group comprising a ceramide-mimicking structure. The hydroxyl group of the hydroxyl
fatty acid or ceramide mimicking structure preferentially forms a hydrogen bond with Glc-
residues linked to ceramide or ceramide-mimicking structure. The lactosylceramide or
mimetic structure can be substituted at position 3 or 4 of the Gal residue by natural type
oligosaccharide sequences. The lactosylceramide receptor glycolipids also includes lacto-
and/or neolactoseries glycolipids comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid. In other embodiments
the present invention is also directed to the use of lacto- and/or neolacto- and/or
ganglioseries glycolipids comprising a lactosyl residue and a hydroxylfatty acid. The
present invention is also directed to the use of analogs of lacto- or neolactoseries
oligosaccharide sequences linked to the hydroxyl group comprising ceramide-mimicking
structure. The present invention is also directed to the use of analogs of ganglioseries
oligosaccharide sequences linked to the hydroxyl group comprising ceramide-mimicking
structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to the use of non-sialylated
forms of lactosylceramide receptors according to the present invention. The preferred
embodiments include molecules according to the following Formula
R,xGalß4GlcpR2 (XIX)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4,
R2 is ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide comprising a
hydroxyl fatty acid and
Ri is Gala, Galp, GalNAcp, GlcNAcp or longer oligosaccharide comprising one of these
residues at the reducing end or NeuSXa with the proviso that preferably when Ri is
GlcNAcß or Gala or NeuSXa then x is 3 and Neu5X is sialic acid preferably NeuSAc or
Neu5Gc.
The present invention is also directed to substances and compositions comprising
polyvalent conjuGates of lactose receptor according to the invention and especially
polyvalent conjuGates of a mimetic structure of lactosylceramide according to the present
invention. Especially polyvalent conjuGates of mimetic structures of lactosylceramide are
preferred when the lactosylceramide or mimetic structure of lactosylceramide is linked to a
polysaccharide, optionally throuGh a sß4cer group. In a specific embodiment the use of
polyvalent conjuGates are preferred over the use of lactosylceramide glycolipids. Use of
glycolipids is more difficult as there is need to prevent the diffusion of the receptors to
tissues. The prevention can be, however, achieved for example by incorporating the
glycolipids in medical carbon matrix or in a stabile membrane or micellar structures.
It is realized that two or even three or more receptor binding specificities according to the
invention can be presented by a single lactosylceramide receptor.
The present invention is also directed to the use of lactosylceramide comprising
hydroxylfatty acids and analogs and derivatives thereof for therapy of gastrointestinal
diseases, especially diarrheas and heß4tobiliary diseases and more specifically diseases
caused by zHelicobacter bacteria. In a preferred embodiment the present invention is
directed to the use of a milk fraction comprising lactosylceramide comprising a
hydroxylfatty acid. The milk is preferentially from a dairy animal such as a cow or any
other dairy animal or milk producing animal which produces hydroxyl fatty acid-
containing lactosylceramide. The prior art discussed above has been directed to the use of
some milk glycolipids but the prior art does not realize the usefulness of the hydroxylfatty
acid-containing glycolipids aGalnst diarrhea-causing zHelicobacter bacteria. The
lactosylceramide receptors according to the present invention are especially useful for
functional food or feeds as nutritional additives.
Use of ß4rtial olieosaccharide sequences
In a seß4rate embodiment one or several of the oligosaccharide sequences according to the
present invention is/are replaced by a ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequences. The ß4rtial
oligosaccharide sequence is in general less effective but can be used in higher
concentrations. The ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequences are preferentially monosaccharides
and more preferentially non-reducing pyranose formed monosaccharide residues having
the same anomeric sructure as a terminal monosaccharide residue in a oligosaccharide
sequence according to the present invention, more preferably the non-reducing pyranose
formed monosaccharide residue is linked to a polyhydroxyl substance ß4rtially mimicking,
next monosaccharide of the corresponding oligosaccharide sequence. In a preferred
embodiment the polyhydroxyl susbtance is a non-carbohydrate substance and most
preferreably the polyhydroxyl substance is a flexible hydrophilic linker described by
Formula 2 in this invention. Preferred ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequences include polyvalent
conjuGates and soluble polyvalent conjuGates of the ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequences as
described for the other receptor oligosaccharide sequences.
The ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequence is preferentially Mana, and more preferentially non-
reducing pyranose formed Mana linked to a polyhydroxyl substance ß4rtially mimicking
next monosaccharide of the corresponding oligosaccharide sequence. In another
embodiment the ß4rtial oligosaccharide sequences is chosen from the group NeuNAca,
Galß, Gala, Fuca, GlcNAcP and terminal oligosaccharide sequence Fucca4GlcNAc
optionally linked to a polyhydroxyl substance ß4rtially mimicking next monosaccharide of
the corresponding oligosaccharide sequence. The partial oligosacharide sequences are
preferably used together with low cost oligosaccharide sequences. Preferably one ß4rtial
oligosaccharide sequence in pyranose form is used together with at least one, and
preferably with two oligosaccharide sequences, and most preferably with three
oligosaccharide sequences, according to the present invention. In another embodiment at
least two partial oligosaccharide sequences are used with at least one oligosaccharide
sequence according to the present invention. The partial oligosaccharide sequences are
preferred for therapeutic uses according to the present invention, especially for feed and
food uses.
Defining most relevant carbohydrate binding specificities with regard to the natural
infection cascade
As described below any carbohydrate specificity or specificities present on a pathogen cell
surface can be used to inhibit the binding of a pathogen, for example by soluble polyvalent
carbohydrates using the covering method as described by the present invention.
However, it is especially preferred to target such carbohydrate binding specificities which
are directed to relevant receptors on the tissue which is infected. This is a preferred method
when monovalent substances according to the invention are used. When soluble polyvalent
conjuGates are used for inhibition of a pathogen cell, and the most relevant carbohydrate
specificities are used the polyvalent or even oligovalent conjuGate need not be large like
the conjuGates which are used for achieving the sterical inhibition of other receptor
interactions according to the invention. The present invention demonstrates several novel
carbohydrate receptor structures on glycoproteins of human intestine and connects these to
the binding specificitities shown by assays. In some cases the binding specificity of a
certain intestinally pathogenic E. coli has been described but only the present invention
shows its relevance to the infection by characterizing the natural receptor saccharides in
human intestine. In a few cases combination of receptor structures and possible binding
have been separately indicated to a certain extent. However, in these cases the
characterization of potential receptors and binding specificities allow design of more
effective receptor oligosaccharide sequences.
Most relevant carbohydrate binding specificities of human intestine
Analysis of glycoproteins from human intestine revealed unexpectedly several interesting
carbohydrate receptor structures. Combination of bacterial binding data and the presence
of receptor allows defining of the biologically most useful therapeutic and diagnostic
structures. The six binding specificities under this category also aim to use receptor
specificities which are not so common in the normal useful bacterial flora.
Mannose comprising N-elvcans
Extraordinary structures such as N-glycan type structures comprising several mannoses
and phosphate were characterized from glycoprotein samples of human gastrointestinal
tract. Multi-mannose comprising N-glycans have not been characterized from human
intestine. Presence of a phosphate residue is also a surprising feature. Phospho-mannans
have been reported to bind certain biological carbohydrate receptors, but so far such
structures have not been characterized to be present in human intestine nor as natural
receptors in human intestinal tissues. The present data shows that a branched multi-
mannose structure is a binding receptor for diarrhea causing E.coli bacteria. Previous data
also indicates that certain bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella typhimurium can
bind multi-mannose containing N-glycans. The present data concerning the presence of the
mannose N-glycans in the intestine reveal the relevance of mannose binding to the
pathogenesis. Substances inhibiting this binding, such as mannose or mannose analogues
comprising carbohydrate oligomers or polyvalent carbohydrate conjuGates, are especially
effective because they can inhibit the relevant carbohydrate binding between the bacterium
and human.
It is also realized that the novel multi-mannose receptors, especially phosphorylated multi-
mannose receptors, can be used in analysis of pathogen binding to the receptor.
In a specific embodiment it is also realized that the multi-mannose receptors, especially
phosphorylated multi-mannose receptors, can be used as receptors or substrates for
probiotic bacteria, which adhere and bind or is able to degradate the receptor structure.
In a specific embodiment it is also realized that the multi-mannose receptors, especially
phosphorylated multi-mannose receptors, can be used for diagnostic or analytical methods
to analyze the bindings of intestinal pathogens to the receptor structure and smaller
derivatives or anlogues thereof.
Sialic acid comprising receptors and sialic acid binding specificities
Potential sialic acid comprising structures have not been characterized from human
intestinal glycoproteins. The present invention shows several new sialylated structures and
binding of diarrhea-causing E. coli to these structures. The sialic acid binding specificity of
any diarrhea-causing E. coli has not been characterized in detail. The minor reports with
only a few strains do not reveal the major sialic acid binding specificities according to the
present invention and these specificities have not been connected with the receptor
structures.
The present invention surprisingly shows that even N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid, not
synthesized by human body, in various oligosaccharide chains can be effectively bound by
E.coli bacteria infecting humans. It has been suGgested that N-glycolyl neuraminic acid
derived from foods can be present on human tissues. Even in case of vegans who do not
eat animal based foods, the NeuGc binding is useful for the inhibition of the sialic acid
binding or can be used as a polyvalent conjuGate for sterical inhibition of other bindings as
described by the present invention.
Surprisingly it could be shown that the sialic acid dependent binding specificity could be
effectively inhibited by monovalent sialyl-lactose oligosaccharide.
Present invention was able to demonstrate the presence of protein linked sialylated first
contact receptors in human gastrointestinal tract. The data show that the sialic acid-
receptors are present and available for pathogen binding, showing the relevance of the
receptors for pathogenesis, especially with regard to diarrhea causing E. coli infections.
Galct4Gal- receptors of diarrhea causing E. coli.
This binding specificity has not been characterized for diarrhea-causing E. coli bacteria.
Use of this oligosaccharide sequence has been known alone or as polyvalent non-soluble
conjuGates for prevention shiga-like toxins of EHEC. The failure of the approach depends
probably on the failure to effectively inhibit the bindings of the EHEC. The non-soluble
carrier does not allow the polyvalent inhibition as described by the present invention using
the soluble polyvalent conjuGates.
The difference in shiga-like toxin binding to adhesion is also shown by the ability of
monovalent structures to inhibit and by the fine specificity of the binding. Preferred
epitopes for shiga-like toxin inhibition are trisaccharides Gala4GalpaGlc and
Gala4GalpaGlcNAc. According to the present invention the adhesin of diarrhea-causing
E. coli also recognizes the disaccharide Gala4Gal, as this sequence can be produced more
economically from natural polysaccharides than the trisaccharides. The present invention
also shows that 3"-substituted forms of Gala4Gal such as the globoside and Forssman
antigen can be commonly recognized by the adhesin while the recognition properties
towards substituted Gala4Gal vary with toxins. The adhesin can be switched-on and
switched-off in a bacterium.
In contrast to prior art with toxins the present invention shows effective inhibition of the
Gala4Gal- binding by monovalent oligosaccharides. Inhibition of shiga-like toxin binding
has been specifically reported not to be inhibitable monovalent Gala4Gal. The prior art
does not describe the inhibition of one or several binding activities of EHECs together with
the use of Gala4Gal.The present invention also shows mat several binding specificities are
also involved with EHEC infections. The prior art has not described the use of said
sequence for treatment of other diarrheal diseases caused by other diarrhea causing E. coli
bacteria. The roles of toxins, of which shiga-like toxins are only one class, vary in
carbohydrate recognition specificities and infections caused by different types of E.coli
such as EPEC, ETEC, etc.
The relevance of the epitope to natural infection is somewhat controversial, but the
receptor may be present in the intestine or on the intestinal epithelium. The present
invention is directed to the search of the epitope from intestinal proteins to confirm the
relevance to the natural infections. Even if only small amounts of natural receptors would
be present, the Gala4Gal-structures can be used as soluble polyvalent conjuGates
according to the invention to cover the bacterial surface and stererically block other
adhesins of the bacterium.
The fucosvl-receptors
The present invention also desribed a novel binding to focosylated sequences such as the
Lewis a structure. Such a binding has not been previously described for a diarrhea-causing
E.coli bacterium. The Lewis a binding has not been previously described, but potential
receptor structures are known from glycolipids of human intestine. Preferred inhibitors of
the binding includes the human milk oligosacharide Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc.
Present invention was able to demonstrate the presence of protein linked fucosylated first
contact receptors in human gastrointestinal tract. The data show that the fucosyl-receptors
are present and available for pathogen binding, showing the relevance of the receptors for
pathogenesis, especially with regard to diarrhea causing E. coli infections.
Lacto-receptors and Neolacto-receptors
Present invention was able to demonstrate the presence of protein linked lacto- and
neolacto-type first contact receptors in human gastrointestinal tract The data show that the
lacto-receptors and neolacto-receptors are present and available for pathogen binding,
showing the relevance of the receptors for pathogenesis, especially with regard to diarrhea
causing E. coli infections.
General binding specificities also commonly present in normal flora
Lactosylceramide and ganglio-receptors are known to bind normal bacterial flora. The use
of these receptors may also reduce normal flora or probiotic bacteria and are therefore
more preferred to be used in combination with probiotic bacteria or probiotic substances.
These receptors belong to the second contact receptor category and are most useful in
connection to the other receptors described to be in the first contact receptors when the
most effective treatment is needed. Gala4Gal structures can be also considered partially as
normal flora binding structures. In a separate embodiment Gala4Gal structures are used
together with probiotic bacteria.
The lactosvlceramide binding
The glycolipid receptor lactosylceramide comprising hydroxyl fatty acids is a novel
receptor activity for diarrhea causing E. coli. This specificity includes 3"modified
lactosylceramides, structures having modification or the elongation of the oligosaccharide
chain on carbon 3 of the Gal residue in lactosylceramide. Lactosylceramide comprising
hydroxyl fatty acids is known from intestinal tissue and considered as a general receptor
for diarrhea causing E. coli.
Refinement of the lacto-binding specificity and novel indications
Previously Galß3GlcNAc has been proposed for EPEC inhibition by using
neoglycoprotein comprising this disaccharide as a chemical non-natural conjuGate. The
present invention showed effctive binding to the longer oligosaccharide sequence
Galß3GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc. This tetrasaccharide can be used for inhibition of the lacto-
binding of the diarrhea causing E. coli also in the monovalent state. The present invention
shows that inhibiting the lacto binding of EHEC can be used for treatment of diseases
caused by EHEC such as HUS, haemolytic uremic syndrome. Inhibition of the lacto-
binding is also useful aGalnst ETEC, EIEC, and EAEC.
Refinement of the neolacto-bindine of E. coli and novel indications.
Previously GalpaGlcNAc has been proposed for EPEC inhibition by using
neoglycoprotein comprising this disaccharide as chemical non-natural conjuGate. Lacto-N-
neotetraose can inhibit binding of EPEC to a cultured epithelial cell line, but based on this
finding the relevance of the binding cannot be shown. The glycosylations of the cultured
cells vary and are not necessarily even close to natural glycosylation of the tissue from
which it originates. According to the present invention it is possible to use lacto-N-
neotetraose to inhibit EPEC binding. According to present invention the disaccharide
sequence GalpaGlcNAc and oligosacharide sequences comprising this disaccharide
sequence can be used to inhibit EHEC, ETEC and other diarrhea-causing E.coli. The
present invention also shows a novel variation for neolacto binding comprising terminal
GlcNAc structures such as GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAc and
GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc. It is also found for the first time that linear ß3-
linked poly-N-acetyllactoasmines, GalpaGlcNAc[ß3GalpaGlcNAc]nß3GalpaGlc where in
n is integer and n>=l, are receptors for diarrhea causing E.coli strains, the terminal Gal can
be substituted by other monosaccharide residues. Preferred monovalent inhibitors
comprises GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc, which has been reported from milk of
buffalo, and mixtures comprising GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc and
GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc.
Novel indications for ganglio-receptor inhibitors of pathogens
Gangliobinding has been shown for several strains of EPECs and ETECs. The present
invention widens the binding spectrum of the ganglio-saccharides to the EHEC type and
especially to the EIEC and EAEC types of E. coli.
Inhibition of pathogens bv monovalent receptors
It is generally believed that the carbohydrate bindings to their receptors and especially the
bindings of pathogenic bacteria are quite weak as monovalent interactions. It has been
shown that for example binding of the Shiga-like toxin of E. coli to cultivated cells, can be
only inhibited by very high density polyvalent carbohydrate conjuGates of the Galca4Gal-
sequence.
The present invention shows that especially the frequent binding specificities of diarrhea
causing E. coli to Neolacto-receptors, Globo-receptors, Lacto-receptors and Sialic acid-
receptors are specifically inhibitable. The inhibition can be achieved by relatively low
concentrations of monovalent oligosaccharides. The oligosaccharides have inhibitory
activity even at 0.3 mM final concentration under the in vitro testing conditions with
natural glycolipid receptors. General useful concentration ranges estimated from the
experiments are as follows. Useful concentration range is under about 3 mM, more
preferably under 2 mM, and even more preferably 1.5 mM or under. The invention is
further directed to preferred concentrations under 1.0 mM and under 0.5 mM, a preferred
concentration is of about 0.3 mM. The preferred lower limit of the concentration is above
0.005 mM more preferably above 0.010 mM and more preferably above 0.1 mM and most
preferably above 0.1 mM. The invention is specifically directed to use of monovalent
oligosaccharides at useful concentration as described, especially at concentrations under 2
mm and 1 mM. The concentration or the amount of the oligosaccharide can be further
optimised for a specific oligosaccharide to avoid excessive use of the saccharides. The
oligosaccharides may be used within preferred concentration ranges for monovalent
inhibition so that the concentrations are adjusted closer to concentrations present in human
milk or for example bovine milk. Some preferred concentrations and amount based on milk
data are described elsewhere by the invention. The use of the oligosaccharides at milk
concentrations is especially useful as these concentrations may be regarded as safe.
1. The bacterial adhesion binding specificities are inhibitable with monovalent
oligosaccharides.
2. The bacterial adhesion binding specificities are inhibitable by relatively low
concentrations of free monovalent oligosaccharide sequences.
The specific inhibition of the receptor binding specificities, especially the frequent binding
specificities described by the examples further indicates that:
l.The binding specificities are separate and
2. The frequent binding specificities are independent of the glycolipid carrier or any other
carrier structure
3. For therapeutic application each binding specificity toward receptor family described by
the invention need to be inhibited separately.
The inventors further show by using combinations of the frequent binding specifities that
the oligosaccharide inhibitors inhibit the bacterial binding simultaneously. The data
indicates that
1.A single bacterial strain or batch can simultaneously express multiple inhibitable binding
specificities. The prior art lacks experiments showing simultaneous binding and inhibition
of the bacterial binding. As the invention also revealed that the binding specificities can be
swithed on a single strain of and vary randomly between strains, any attempt to combine
past data from different experiment performed at different times has no scientific
relevance.
2 .The tested oligosaccharides do not have interactions with each other which could prevent
the simultaneous inhibition.
An approach using monovalent oligosaccharide sequences could save costs of synthesis
when the construct is prepared. Polyvalent conjuGates may also comprise non-natural and
non-biodegradable linker structures which may cause side effects or regulatory problems.
In general it is desired that the monovalent oligosaccharide should be active at low
concentrations that would allow cost effective use of the oligosaccharide. The monovalent
oligosaccharide means here also monovalent conjuGates of the oligosaccharide, for
example glycosylamines or glycosylamides or methyl glycosides or other glycosides
including other N-glycosides, C-glycosides or S-glycosides, or for example active
derivatives in which the reducing end is modified by reduction or reductive animation. If
the reducing -end monosaccharide residue is reduced, it may be used as a spacer outside of
the binding active carbohydrate epitope. Such an approach would require the use of an
oligosaccharide which is at least one monosaccharide residue longer than the desired
receptor epitope in the oligosaccharide sequence.
The present invention demonstrates that unexpectedly high affinity monovalent binding
activities can be found and that monovalent carbohydrates can be used in relatively low
concentrations to inhibit the bindings. Preferred monovalent substances comprise one or
several terminal non-reducing end sequences chosen from the group: Gala4Gal,
Gala4Gala4Gal, Gala4Galß4Glc, Gala4Galß4Glc, alpha-linked sialic acid, Neu5Aca,
Neu5Aca3, Neu5Aca6, Neu5Aca3Gal, Neu5Aca6Gal, Neu5Aca9Neu5Ac,
Neu5Aca8Neu5Ac, Galß3GalNAc, GalNAcß4Gal, Galß3GlcNAc,
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAc, Galß4GlcNAc, GlcNAcß3Gal, and GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc.
More preferentially the monovalent substance or substances comprise(s) one or several
terminal non-reducing end sequences chosen from the group: Gala4Gal, Gala4Gala4Gal,
Gala4Galß4Glc, Gala4Galß4GlcNac, GalNAcß3Gala4Gal, GalNAcß3Gala4Galß4Glc,
Neu5Aca3Gal, Neu5Aca6Gal, Neu5Aca3Galß4Glc, Neu5Aca6Galß4Glc,
Neu5Aca8Neu5Aca8Neu5Ac,Neu5Aca8Neu5Ac,Neu5Aca8/9Neu5Aca8/9Neu5Ac,
Galß3GalNAcß4Galß4Glc, GalNAcß4Galß4Glc, Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc,
Neu5Xa3Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Neu5Xo3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Neu5Xa3Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)Glc,
Neu5Xa3Galß4Glc Neu5Xa6Galß4Glc.
Most preferentially the monovalent substance one or several terminal non-reducing end
sequences chosen from the group: Gala4Gal, Gala4Galß4Glc, Gala4Galß4GlcNAc,
GalNAcß3Gala4Gal,GalNAcß3Gala4Galß4Glc,Neu5Aca3Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Neu5Aca3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Neu5Aco3Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Neu5Aca3Galß4(Fuca3)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Neu5Aca3Galß4(Fuca3)Glc,
Neu5Aca3Galß4Glc, Neu5Aca6Galß4Glc, Galß3GalNAcß4Galß4Glc,
GalNAcß4Galß4Glc,Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, and GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc3Galß4Glc.
This group comprises natural Gala4Gal sequences, natural type asialo ganglioside
sequences and oligosaccharides which are present in animal or human milk. The preferred
monovalent substances also comprise Mana3Man and Mana3(Mana6)Man
oligosaccharide sequence structures.
In another embodiment the oligosaccharide sequences are chosen from cheap natural
sources. Pectin oligosaccharides in which the carboxylic acid groups has been reduced is
an example of low cost oligosaccharides, the reduced pectin oligosaccharides have the
sequences Gal[a4Gal]n, wherein n is an integer from 1-about 10, it is noted that even
larger oligosaccharides could be used but these are not so effective in general. Methods to
reduce pectin in ester form, for example as a natural methanol ester, or by a carbodiimide
have been reported. Large pectin polysaccharides can be degraded to oligosaccharides for
example by chemical hydrolysis or enzymatically by pectinases. Gala4Gal oligosaccharide
sequences or analogs or partial oligosaccharide sequences from natural sources for
example from okra plant are also preferred for uses according to the present invention. The
cheap natural sources also include polysialic acid produced by bacteria. These have
polymeric sequences Neu5Ac[a8Neu5Ac]n orNeu5Ac[a9Neu5Ac]n orNeu5Ac with
alternating a9- and a8-bonds. Polysialic acid may comprise intrachain binding and a
specific embodiment is targeted to the use of polysialic acid as polymeric inhibitor.
Polysaccharides can be degraded to oligosaccharides or lower molecular weight
polysaccharides by methods known in art. Yeast mannan and phosphomannan or
oligosaccharides derived thereof are preferred from low-cost natural sources for uses
according to the present invention. The low-cost natural oligosaccharide sequences are
especially preferred for nutritional, food and feed applications.
Treatment of unknown pathogens
The carbohydrate compositions and substances are especially aimed for treatment of
pathogen infections when the pathogen or pathogens causing the infection is or are not
known. In many cases it is not possible to diagnose the pathogen and treatment has to be
started before the results from diagnosis can be obtained. In under developed countries the
diagnostics may not be available or may be too expensive. The availability of diagnostics
may be also limited under war conditions or in distant regions with low populations. The
compositions and substances according to the invention can be used to relieve symptoms
of infections caused by numerous different pathogens. The present invention is especially
directed to the treatment of diseases, preferentially gastrointestinal diseases such as
diarrheas, when the pathogen is non-typable pathogen or pathogenic E. coli.
Svnereistic effects of manipulating several carbohydrate receptor bindings
The first synergistic effect is the unexpectedly high efficiency in inhibition or binding to a
single pathogen which represent several adhesins binding to cell surfaces of a patient. In
traditional inhibition attempts with single oligosaccharide epitopes the pathogen usually
has additional carbohydrate binding specificities which may allow it to survive in the
tissue. The prevention or inhibition of the binding is more effective when as many binding
components as possible are inhibited. When a polyvalent conjuGate is used the highest
affinity part of the conjuGate targets possible receptor oligosaccharide sequences with
lower affinity to the surface of the pathogen. When the inhibition cover most of the
binding mechanisms of the pathogen, the inhibition exeeds a threshold value allowing the
pathogen mass to be flushed away by liquids of the tissue, causing a dramatic preventive
effect aGalnst the pathogen. When the invention is used to inhibit simultaneously a microbe
and a toxin involved in the same disease, the disease is relieved by two means, i.e. removal
of both the bacterium and the toxin.
The use of two or more oligosaccharide sequences has also a synergistic effect aGalnst the
development of resistance aGalnst the inhibition theraphy. The development of resistance is
a common problem in current antibiotic theraphies. When there are limited amount of
potential carbohydrate receptors for a pathogen in a target tissue, the therapies with two or
more oligosaccharides can be used so that the bacteria have no choice left for the adhesion
to the tissues.
When two or more oligosaccharides are used aGalnst several pathogens, synergistic
inhibition effects are produced. When several pathogens are infecting simultaneously, the
pathogens/infections are often supporting each other.
Besides the effects between pathogen and host tissues or between pathogens or pathogens
and normal flora, the synergistic effect for inhibition of pathogens may occur by
interaction with the immune defence of the patient. The pathogens may weaken the cells of
the immune defence.
The coinfection situation may involve several carbohydrate interactions which can be
manipulated. For example, cells infected by influenza virus are more effectively coinfected
by several pathogenic bacteria of lungs. It has been suGgested that sialidase of the
influenza virus could reveal non-sialylated receptors for the bacteria on the infected lung
cells. The virus may also use its hemagglutinin receptors for binding to granulocytes
creating an interaction which can lead to dysfunction of the leukocyte.
Methods involving synergistic effects to inhibit binding of pathogens
l.Svnergistic effects of at least two receptor carbohydrates aGalnst a single pathogen which
has several binding activities.
a) Simultaneous inhibition of at least two binding specificities present on the same
pathogen effectively inhibits alternative binding specificities of the pathogen when at least
two binding specificities are present at the same time.
b) Similarly, the inhibition of at least two binding specificities of a pathogen is desired
when second binding specificity may arise in a situation when first binding specificity is
inhibited. A cell pathogen like a bacterium may even be able to switch on the first binding
specificity. While the first binding specificity may be switched off by inhibition using the
covering method, which is described for polyvalent soluble carbohydrates in 3 below, it is
not possible by single polyvalent carbohydrate aGalnst the first specificity. Such switching
may occur for example by a phase variation of a bacterium. Switching the binding would
be useful for a pathogenic cell which can use several carbohydate receptors since
production of carbohydrate adhesins for receptors which are not present would consume
energy unnecessarily. The inventors noticed that the binding specificities according to the
invention can be switched off in strains of E. coli causing diarrhea. Therefore it is useful to
use several binding oligosaccharide sequences, especially oligosaccharide sequences
according to the invention to inhibit the binding of the bacteria causing diarrheas and other
intestinal diseases. The invention reveals that any of the binding specificities of the
numerous bacterial strains studied may be switched of by random fashion. During longer
cultivation all the binding specificities may be switched off.
c) The invention reveals that the binding specificities are not stabily expressed in different
strains of bacteria even among the same indication. This further emphasizes the need of
multiple inhibitors, especially monovalent inhibitors for effective therapy.
d) Inhibition of the receptor on different levels of the infection. As a special case about the
inhibition of pathogens, especially bacteria and viruses causing intestinal diseases such as
diarrheas, the invention shows that it is useful to inhibit the pathogen binding on two
receptor levels. The first binding interactions occur on the outer part of the carbohydrate
matrix covering cell surfaces. This outer part comprises oligosaccharide sequences of
glycoproteins, and possibly some polyglycosylceramide type of structures. The first
binding interactions are here called first contact and the receptors involved in the first
binding are here called first contact receptors. The second binding interactions, here called
second contact, occur with medium sized and small glycolipids on the cell membrane
surface. The small and medium sized glycolipid receptors are here called the second
contact recptors. The prior art does not describe these structurally characterized
oligosaccharide sequences as first contact bacterial receptors from human intestine or
gastrointestinal tract.
The invention shows that several novel first contact receptors among the receptor types
according to the invention are present on human intestinal mucin glycoproteins. The novel
receptors include mannose-comprising oligosaccharide sequences, Galß3GlcNAc,
> GalpaGlcNAc, Lewis a, and sialylated glycoprotein oligosaccharide sequences. More
preferred receptors are involved in the first binding interactions. The binding to the
glycoprotein receptors is on a different level of the binding interactions than the binding to
shorter chain oligosaccharide sequences of the cell surface glycolipids. It is noticed that
Gal{33GlcNAc, GalpMGlcNAc, Lewis a, and sialylated glycoprotein oligosaccharide
5 sequences may also be present on long chain polylactosamine glycolipids and on shorter
chain glycolipids. The carbohydrate structures which are totally or at least mostly
expressed as second contact receptors include the lactosylceramide receptors, the ganglio-
binding receptors and the globo-binding receptors.
According to a specific embodiment it is preferred to use the primary contact receptors,
preferentially at least two of these to inhibit effectively primary contact and the infections.
The present invention shows for the first time several first contact receptors from human
intestine:
multi-mannose receptor, neolacto, lacto-, Lewis a and sialic acid binding receptors.
It is also realized that the novel first contact receptors are useful for search of other
pathogen bindings towards these. When a binding structure has been found the receptor
saccharide can be used for inhibitor design as described here for E. coli bacteria.
Underfucosvlated receptors
A preferred group among the preferred first contact receptors are underfucosylated
receptors such as neolacto, lacto and Lewis a oligosaccharide sequences. These are more
common in persons who are negative for fucosyltransferases like secretor a2-Fuc-T and
Lewis-blood group fucosyltransferase. Persons with underglycosylated gastrointestinal
tracts are more prone to infections. The present invention shows a reason for that and a
potential therapy. pathogenic E. coli can be inhibited by one or more of several of the
following oligosaccharides or conjuGates, preferentially polyvalent conjuGates, thereof:
Lacto-N-tciraose, Lacto-N-neotetraose, Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc.
The present invention describes for the first time theraphies for a novel indication,
increased infections due to under modified lactosamine sequences, especially
underfucosylation of epithelial lactosamine sequences. The invention is especially directed
to treatment of persons who are Lewis fucosyltransferase (fucosyltransferase III) negative
and or secretor fucosyltransferase negative. Similar underfucosylated sequences acting as
pathogen receptors on epithelial cells can occur when a human patient is negative for other
fUcosyltransferases, especially fucosyltransferase V and/or fucosyltransferase VI. The
present invention is directed to prevent intestinal pathogen adhesion by inhibiting pathogen
or pathogens by carbohydrates comprising one or more oligosaccharide sequences chosen
from the group neolacto receptors, lacto receptors and fucose receptors when the structures
in a patient has increased.
In a preferred embodiment one or several more active elongated oligosaccharide sequences
according to the formula Galpx(Fucct4)nGlcNAcPR, wherein independently x is linkage
position 3 or 4, n is = 0 or 1, with the provision that when x=4, then n=0; and R is a
monosaccharide residue or oligosaccharide or conjuGate thereof, preferentially R, linked to
GlcNAcp, comprises 3Gal(NAc)m and m is independently 0 or 1, are used. Preferred
sequences are Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3Gal, Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc,
Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAc,Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3Galß3GlcNAc,
Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc,
Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3Galß3GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcand
Galpx(Fuca4)nGlcNAcß3GalNAc.
Preferentially two oligosaccharide sequences are used. Preferred combinations of the two
oligosaccharide sequences include non-reducing end terminal oligosaccharide sequences
GalpaGlcNAcß3Gal and Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal, where these sequences represent both
undermodified or underfucosylated type 1 and type 2 N-acetyllactosamines and serve as
receptors for intestinal pathogens. Another preferred combination is Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal
and Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAc comprising type 1 lactosamines which are especially common
in intestine. In a preferred embodiment all three oligosaccharide sequences are used.
In the present invention it is realised for the first time that
1. Single pathogens, especially pathogenic bacteria infecting human gastrointestinal tract
such as intestinal diarrheagenic E. coli bind to the limited number of specific
oligosaccharide receptors present on the target tissue. Several receptor binding specificities
are simultaneously functional.
2. The oligosaccharide sequences as polyvalent conjuGates or in immunologically active
compositions may also activate the immune defense, for example in intestine, which may
target several types of pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Carbohydrates can especially be
used to activate non-specific immune defence reactions.
3. Polyvalent soluble carbohydrates comprising common carbohydrate receptor or
receptors for carbohydrate binding activity present on a pathogen, which has possibility for
several types of binding interactions with patient, can be used to coat the bacterium. When
the surface of the bacterium is covered by the polyvalent soluble carbohydrate, the other
binding interactions are sterically inhibited. The steric inhibition requires suitable
molecular weight, in general the molecular weight should be high enouGh to be able to
effectively inhibit, on the other hand the molecular weight in certain applications should be
low enouGh to allow effective diffusion of the soluble carbohydrate. The covering soluble
polyvalent carbohydrate can bind several pathogens together making an agglutinate which
is removed for example with mucin secretion on lung or intestinal epithelium. Several
pathogens can comprise several different species or strains of pathogens or several cells or
several protein pathogens of the same species, strain or type.
4. The use of an inhibiting carbohydrate aGalnst a single pathogen in a coinfection situation
can enhance the infections of other coinfecting pathogens which are not inhibited but are
getting more room to expand. Prevention of one pathogen has also a synergistic effect
aGalnst a coinfecting pathogen when there is an adhesion, which may be inhibited or used
to flush several bacteria together. When using polyvalent soluble carbohydrates complexes
may be formed between the coinfecting pathogens. When one or preferably at least two
carbohydrates are used aGalnst all the coinfecting pathogens the infection is weakened
much more effectively than when only one interaction is targeted. The synergistic effect of
inhibiting coinfection by at least two carbohydrate sequences which can inhibit all the
coinfecting bacteria is useful for the situation with at least two co-infecting pathogens for
prevention of for example severe pneumonias or diarrheas.
Preferred combinations of inhibitors of diarrhea causing E.coli
Because of the different contact levels in infections, combinations of first contact receptor
oligosaccharides can be preferred. The first contact receptors are more easily available for
bacterial binding and preferred targets for inhibition. The present invention is also directed
to the treatment or prevention of infections, wherein the first contact receptors of the
pathogen adhesion to human gastric epithelium is blocked, especially by using at least two
of oligosaccharide receptors chosen from the group: lacto receptors, neolacto receptors.,
fucose-receptors, sialic acid receptors, and mannose receptors, more preferably at least
three oligosaccharide receptors from the group are chosen and most preferably at least four
oligosaccharide from the group are chosen. In another embodiment, at least one of the first
contact receptors and more preferably at least two of the first contact receptors is/are used
together with at least one of the second contact receptors in the group Gala4Gal-receptors,
lactosylceramide-receptors and ganglio receptors. In a separate embodiment at least two
second contact receptors chosen from the group Gala4Gal-receptors, lactosylceramide-
receptors and ganglio receptors are used optionally with a probiotic bacterium or with a
prebiotic substance.
The prevention or treatment of infections such as diarrhea caused by E. coli and diagnosis
of diarrheagenic E. coli is also preferred by using at least two of oligosaccharide receptors
chosen from the group: Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto receptors, fucose
receptors, sialic acid receptors, and mannose receptors. These are preferred in certain
cases because lactosylceramide-receptors and ganglio receptors are also associated with
normal flora interactions.
In a preferred embodiment the prevention or treatment of infections such as diarrhea
caused by E. coli and diagnosis of diarrheagenic E. coli is performed by using at least two
oligosaccharide receptors chosen from the groups
a. lacto receptors, neolacto receptors and mannose receptors;
b. fucose receptors,Gala4Gal-receptors, and sialic acid receptors.
So that at least one oligosaccahride receptor is from group a and one is from group b. More
preferentially at least two oligosaccharide receptors are used so that at least two
oligosaccharide sequences are chosen from the group b. These are some preferred
combinations of the pathogenesis specific receptors, which are especially aimed for
treatment aGalnst specific diarrhea strains or disease types after analysis of the pathogen(s)
causing the disease.
In a preferred embodiment the prevention or treatment of infections such as diarrhea
caused by E. coli and diagnosis of diarrheagenic E. coli is performed by using at least two
substances comprising different oligosaccharide sequences chosen from the
oligosaccharides present in human milk or in milk of a dairy animal. Preferred free
oligosaccharides from milks include several lacto receptors, neolacto receptors, fucose
receptors, sialic acid receptors and the lactosylceramide receptor glycolipids. In a preferred
embodiment the milk type oligosaccharide sequences are used together with one or several
non-milk oligosaccharide sequences, more preferentially with one oligosaccharide
sequences selected from the group consisting of: Neu5Acct8Neu5Ac, Gala4Gal, and
mannose receptor oligosaccharide sequences.
In a preferred embodiment the prevention or treatment of infections such as diarrhea
caused by E. coli and diagnosis of diarrheagenic E. coli is performed by using at least two
low cost substances chosen from the group Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto
receptors, and mannose receptors, more preferably the low cost substances are a
Gala4Gal-receptor, and a mannose receptor.
Use of at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention
when one of the oligosaccharide sequences is a fucose receptor according to the present
invention is preferred because the sequence is a common natural first contact receptor.
Use of at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention
when one of the oligosaccharide sequences is a Gala4Gal receptor according to the present
invention is preferred because the sequence is an especially effective receptor for E. coli.
Use of at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention
when one of the oligosaccharide sequences is a high affinity type neolacto-receptors
according to the present invention is preferred because the sequences are an especially
effective receptor for human diarrheagenic E. coli.
Use of at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention
when one of the oligosaccharide sequences is a high affinity type of lacto-receptors
receptors according to the present invention is preferred because the sequences are an
especially effective receptor for human diarrheagenic E. coli.
Use of at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention
when one of the oligosaccharide sequences comprises a NeuSGc receptor according to the
present invention is preferred because the sequence is an especially effective receptor for
human diarrheagenic E. coli.
The combinations of the lacto receptors, neolacto receptors and fucose receptors are
preferred as under-modified sequences as described above.
Polyvalent carriers and conjuGates
In a preferred embodiment the pathogen inhibiting/pathogen receptor oligosaccharide
sequence or sequences are linked to a polyvalent carrier, more preferentially at least two
pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences. In a specific embodiment at least two
pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences are linked to the same polyvalent carrier.
The polyvalent carrier is preferentially a carbohydrate carrier such as polysaccharide or an
oligosaccharide, in a preferred embodiment the carbohydrate carrier is soluble
carbohydrate carrier. The carbohydrate carrier is in a preferred embodiment a bacterial
polysaccharide.
In another embodiment the pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence or pathogen
inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences are expressed on a particle carrier. The particle
carrier is preferably a carbohydrate particle, a synthetic polymer particle or a cell. The cell
is preferably a bacterial cell or a yeast cell. The preferred diameter of the particle is
between 10 run and 10 micrometers.
The polyvalent conjuGates are preferentially designed to be non-antigenic, and non-
immunogenic, so that the only minor immune reactions or no immune reactions at all are
caused by the conjuGates. Other preferred properties of the polysaccharides include low
toxicity of the polysaccharide and/or its degradation products.
The polyvalent conjuGates which are aimed to inhibit bacteria are designed to avoid
carbohydrates binding specificity or specificities of the epithelium when the carbohydrate
binding specificity can attach the conjuGate to the epithelium and increase the ß4thologic
binding of the ß4thogen to the tissue.
Bacterial exopolysaccharides or capsular polysaccharides from bacteria are preferred,
especially when the bacterium is a non-ß4thogenic bacterium such as lactic acid bacterium.
Several of the oligosaccharide receptors according to the invention are known from
bacterial polysaccharides. The invention is also directed to the engineering of the receptor
oligosaccharide epitopes on bacterial polysaccharides, especially polysaccharides of non-
ß4thogens such as lactic acid bacteria. The engineering may be done genetically or by
chemical modification of the polysaccharides, for example by specific hydrolysis or
glycosyltransferase reactions. According to present invention it is possible to use a
bacterial polysaccharide or mixture of bacterial polysaccharides which comprises at least
two receptor oligosaccharides according to the present invention. It is more preferred to
use a bacterial polysaccharide or mixture of bacterial polysaccharides which comprises at
least three receptor oligosaccharide sequences and in another embodiment at least four
receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention.
Preferred polysaccharide substances comprising NeuNAca6Gal- or NeuNAca3Gal
comprise NeuNAca6Galß4/3GlcNAc, NeuNAca3GalpM/3GlcNAc,
NeuNAca6Galj34/3Glc or NeuNAca3Galß4/3Glc linked to a polysaccharide. Such
polysaccharides with NeuNAc3Gal are already present on certain exopolysaccharides of
type B Streptococcus- species. Similar polysaccharides can be expressed on non-ß4thogens
such as lactic acid bacteria. NeuNAca6Gal- containing species are more preferred since
these can be produced by desialylating totally or ß4rtially NeuNAca3Galß4GlcNAc-
containing polysaccharides and resialylating with a transferase sialylating at 6-position of
Gal such as a a6-sialyltransferase. Alternatively a non-sialylated polysaccharide
comprising terminal Galß4/3GlcNAc or Galß4/3Glc can be sialylated. Non-sialylated
bacterial polysaccharides or polysaccharide derivatives comprising oligosaccharide
sequences according to present invention such as Galß4/3GlcNAc, Galß4Glc, and
Galß3GalNAc or larger oligosaccharide sequences according to present invention are also
preferred for use according to the present invention. In preferred embodiment ß4rtially
sialylated polysaccharide comprising Galß4/3GlcNAc or/and Galß4Glc-sequences are
used.
In another embodiment an antigenic or immuno stimulating or modulating carbohydrate
conjuGate is included. The antigenic or immunogenic carbohydrate conjuGate is in a
specific embodiment covalently conjuGated to one or several oligosaccharide sequences
according to the invention.
Polyvalent conjuGates for cross-linking ß4thogens to immune cells or to immune defence
proteins
Alternatively the carbohydrate compositions can be used to cross-link the ß4thogens to
immune cells such as various types of leukocytes, or immune defence proteins such as
antibodies, immune lectins or other ß4thogen inhibiting agents and thus inhibit the
ß4thogen.
Several receptors for ß4thogens have been reported from the surfaces of immune cells.
Preferred receptors on immune cells are aimed for destruction of the ß4thogen, such as
phagosytosis receptors. The polyvalent or oligovalent oligosaccharide sequences are
preferably not so large that they could prevent the phagosytosis or destruction of infecting
ß4thogen. Such receptor includes mannose receptor on macrophages, receptors of natural
killer cells which bind N-acetylglucosamine. It is obvious that several natural and synthetic
carbohydrates can be used as analogs of these sequences. The preferred carbohydrates
binding to the mannose receptors comprise terminal monosaccharide or monosacchoxide
analogs containg at least two free axial hydroxyl groups. The polyvalent carbohydrate
sequences to be used for binding to immune cells include polyvalent conjuGates
comprising mannose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmannosamine or glucose.
More preferentially the monosaccharides are chosen so that these are natural components
present in human biology, mannose is D-mannopyranose, fucose is L-fucopyranose, N-
acetyl-D-glucosaminopyranose, N-acetyl-D-mannosaminopyranose and glucose is D-
glucopyranose. In the most preferred embodiment the monosaccharide residues are linked
by natural type glycosidic bonds to neighboring monosaccharides such as Manal-3,
Manal-6, or Manal-2, GlcNAcpl-3, GlcNAcpi-2, GlcNAcpl-6, Fucal-2, Fucal-3,
Fucal-4, Fucal-6. Preferred oligosaccharide sequences comprise the terminal
disaccharides Manal-3Man, Manal-6Man, Manal-2Man, GlcNAcpl-3Gal, GlcNAcpi-
2Man, GlcNAcpl-6Gal, Fucal-2Gal, Fucal-3GlcNAc, Fucal-4GlcNAc, or Fucal-
6GlcNAc.
In a specific embodiment a polymeric carbohydrate which has binding specificity towards
both the ß4thogen or several ß4thogens and a ß4thogenesis inhibiting immune cell or
leukocyte is used to cross-link a ß4thogen and an immune cell. Specifically an alpha-
mannose containing carbohydrate is used for binding of bacteria such as Salmonella
species or E. coli and leukocytes/complement system simultaneously.
In another embodiment the polyvalent substances comprising at least two different
oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention is used for simultaneous binding of
one or more types of ß4thogens and one or more types of immune cells caß4ble of
inhibiting the ß4thogen or the ß4thogens. More preferably one of the oligosacharide
sequences in the polyvalent substance comprising at least two different oligosaccharide
sequences according to the invention is a Mana- comprising oligosaccharide sequence.
Soluble polyvalent conjuGates covering and agglutinating the ß4thogens
Preferred polyvalent conjuGates include soluble or gel forming polyvalent conjuGates.
More preferably the polyvalent conjuGate is soluble and can cover the surface of the
bacterium. Preferrably the bacterium covering soluble polyvalent conjuGate has at least a
molecular weight of 5000 daltons, more preferably at least about 10 000 daltons and most
preferably at least about 20 000 daltons. For several applications higher molecular weights
should be limited because of the effective diffusion of the conjuGates in the gastric mucosa.
Preferred upper limits of the polyvalent conjuGates are under about 300 000 daltons, more
preferably under about ISO 000 daltons and most preferably under SO 000 daltons. More
preferred molecular weight ranges include from about S 000 to about SO 000 daltons, from
about 10 000 daltons to 50 000 daltons and most preferably from about 20 000 daltons to
about 100 000 daltons. The molecular weight limits indicate that about at least 70 % of the
molecules are within the desired range and more preferably at least 80 % in the desired
range.
The polyvalent conjuGates that can diffuse to the surface of the ß4thogen and cover it are
especially effective in prevention ß4thogens when several types of bindings should be
inhibited. The polyvalent conjuGate or conjuGates comprises carbohydrate corresponding
to the most common binding activity on the ß4thogen or ß4thogens present. The covering
of the surface by the polyvalent conjuGate blocks sterically the other carbohydrate binding
receptor or receptors on the surface of the ß4thogen or the ß4thogens. Preferably at least
two ß4thogen covering polysaccharides are used. More preferably two different receptor
oligosaccharide sequences are conjuGated to the same polymer.
Most preferably the soluble polyvalent conjuGate comprises a polysaccharide backbone.
The present invention is thus directed to polyvalent substances, especially soluble
polyvalent substances comprising at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences, more
preferably at least three receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present
invention. The present invention is also directed to the polyvalent substances comprising at
least four receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention.
Polyvalent conjuGates which can induce carbohydrate binding towards itself
The present invention is also directed to carbohydrate binding specificities which can be
induced in ß4thogen cells by polyvalent conjuGates which mimic the polyvalent natural
surfaces to which the ß4thogens aim to attach. The inducible binding specificities are not
active all the time but can be activated when ß4thogen needs to bind the receptor.
According to the present invention ß4thogen cells, especially bacteria such as Escherichia
coli, are able to activate such inducible receptor carbohydrate binding by contact with the
receptor. A mechanism for the induction is presence of low amounts of the indicible
receptors on the cell surface, which signals induction of the receptors in higher amounts.
For the induction of the receptor the polyvalent conjuGates as described above can be used.
High molecular weight conjuGates are prefererred when the target ß4thogen cell is
accessible for higher molecular weight molecules in the mucin layer. For this application
even non-soluble polymeric conjuGates can be used when the target ß4thogen cell is
accessible for these.
Therapeutic targets
The present invention is preferrably targeted for treatment of intestinal infections or lung
infections. The term treatment means also preventive or prophylaxis treatments. Similarly,
the invention could be used for treatment of oral or other gastrointestinal infections or
treatment of infections of other epithelia or surfaces of the body of the ß4tient, such as
skin, or on genital surfaces such as the vagina. The invention can be even used in blood
circulation of the ß4tient, but then special care must be taken for the suitability of the
substances and compositions for such use.
The invention is especially and preferentially directed to treatment of intestinal ß4thogens.
The preferred intestinal ß4thogens cause diarrhea diseases. Preferred diarrhea causing
ß4thogens includes all types Escherichia coli which cause intestinal diseases. The use of
the compositions aGalnst Escherichia coli species including EPEC (enteroß4thogenic
Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli), EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli) and EIEC (enteroinvasive
Escherichia coli).
Treatment and prevention of other non- E.coli infections and co-infections
It is realized that several other ß4thogens live in similar receptor environment, in human or
even in animals, especially in gastrointestinal tract, especially in intestinal receptor
environment, comprising carbohydrate receptors according to the present invention. Other,
non-E.coli, ß4thogens infecting human especially human gastrointestinal tract, more
specifically ones infecting the human intestine, are likely to use one or several of the
receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention. Treatment of other
ß4thogen or other ß4thogens according to the present invention is preferred when the
ß4thogens bind to at least two, more preferably at least three, receptor oligosaccharide
sequences according to the present invention and when there is specifical benefits for using
the oligosaccharide sequences as described by the present invention. Thus, the present
invention is generallyt directed to the use of compositions comprising of compounds which
comprise at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present
invention aGalnst ß4thogens in human gastrointestinal tract, especially in intestine.
When the ß4thogen is a not E. coli the ß4thogen may use or bind other receptors or
analogous oligosaccharide sequences, the other oligosaccharide sequences, referred here as
other receptor oligosaccharide sequences, including preferentially other oligosaccharides
such as sequences Fuca2Gal, Fuca3GlcNAc, Fuca3Glc, ganglioseries gangliosides,
and/or NeuNAca8NeuNAc, more preferably the fucosylated sequences are
Fuca2Galß3/4GlcNAc, Fuca2Galß4Glc, Fuca2Galß4(Fuca3)Glc, Galß4(Fuca3)GlcNAc,
Fuca2Galß3/4(Fuca4/3)GlcNAc. The present invention is directed to the use of
compositions comprising of compounds which comprise at least two receptor
oligosaccharide according to the present invention together with at least one of the other
receptor oligosaccharide sequences aGalnst ß4thogens, especially non-E. coli ß4thogens in
human gastrointestinal tract, especially in intestine. The present invention is also directed
to the simultaneous treatment of infections caused by at least one diarrheagenic E. coli and
at least one non-E.coli ß4thogen.
Fuca2Gal-structures bind also to other, non-E. coli, ß4thogens and they are useful for use
in combinations with the substances according to the present invention. In a preferred
embodiment Fuca2Gal-structure or Fuca2Gal-Xyl structure is derived from plant
hemicellulose. The present invention is also directed to therapeutic substance comprising
Fuca2Gal-structure derived from plant hemicellulose. The therapeutic substance can be
used in nutritional compositions including foods, feeds, beverages or in medicines or
medicine like therapeutic compositions.
Other bacteria which can be targeted by the receptor carbohydrate combinations and
polyvalent conjuGates according to the invention include for example Vibrio species,
including Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter species, including Campylobacterjejuni,
Salmonella species, including Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria species, Shigella species,
Aeromonas species, intestinal viruses, especially rota virus, and intestinal eukaryotic
parasites including the Entamobae species. The other intestinal pathogens have similar
binding profiles with diarrhea causing E. coli as shown for example by studies with
hemagglutination patterns with varios red cells. The other pathogens live in similar
environment and use at least partially the same receptors as the diarrhea causing E. coli.
Many infections for example in intestine and lungs involve several pathogens. Such
infections are difficult to treat and may turn into chronic infections. Many diarrheas and
lung diseases which may be mild infections in the beginning may develop into lethal forms
of diseases. Complicated diseases are often caused by coinfection of several pathogens. It
is especially preferred to use the carbohydrate compositions for treatment of two or more
pathogenics, which infect or are considered to be infecting the patient The compositions
according to invention can be used to inhibit two or more pathogens from the group
pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, fungi, or parasites, simultaneously. More preferably
the compositions according to the invention inhibit at least two pathogens from the group
pathogenic bacteria, toxins, and viruses, simultaneously. A preferred combination of toxins
and pathogens includes toxins of Escherichia coli and the Escherichia coli- bacteria. Toxin
proteiiu. comprises one or usually several lectins sites presented in ordered oligomoric
manner. For example bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin or shigalike toxins contain five
lectin domains in a ring-shaped protein pentamer. On bacterial surfaces the adhesion
lectins or adhesins are presented in polyvalent manner. Also bacterial carbohydrates
represent bioactive carbohydrate epitopes as large polyvalent conjuGates like on
exopolysaccharides or capsular polysaccharides or lipopolysaccharides or peptiglycans or
like. No effective inhibitors are described for inhibition two or more different lectin
representations. The preferred polyvalent or oligovalent conjuGates are special
carbohydrate conjuGates.
According to the present invention it is also preferred to inhibit simultaneously two
different pathogens. In a preferred embodiment the invention is targeted for treatment of
coinfection by a virus and a bacterium. Preferably the bacterium or bacteria belong to
species Escherichia, Vibrio, Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella, Aeromonas, or Campylobacter
and it is most preferably a diarrhea causing Escherichia coli or several strains of
Escherichia coli and the virus is a diarrhea causing virus such as a rotavirus. Other
preferred combinations include lung pathogenic bacteria, preferably Haemophilia
influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruGinosa
and a lung infecting virus such as influenza virus.
The surfaces and adhesion mechanisms of the viruses and bacteria are different. The viral
surface contains infective lectins in ordered surface structures on a relative small and
curved surface of while the larger bacterial surface contains adhesive lectins usually in
linear ordered structures like pili or flagella. Therefore the effective simultaneous
prevention of viruses and bacteria is especially difficult. The present invention describes
the use of special oligovalent or polyvalent compositions or substances which can be used
for treatment of coinfections by viruses and bacteria. The oligovalent or polyvalent
substances or compositions preferably comprise the active carbohydrates in special
carbohydrate conjuGates which can inhibit the bindings of two or more different lectin
presentations on pathogen surface or pathogen surfaces.
Use of the receptor olieosaccharide sequences alone or in combinations for the novel
indication for carbohydrate
It is realized that the receptor oligosaccharide sequences can be used as or in single
substances for therapy or other applications with regard to diarrhea causing E. coli. The
present invention describes novel general diarrhea indication in which diarrhea is caused
by one of the five major types of diarrhea causing E. coli, namely EPEC (enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli), EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli) and EIEC (enteroinvasive
Escherichia coli) and even by non-typed or non-typable wild-type strains of diarrhea
causing E. coli.
According to present invention the receptor oligosaccharides according to the present
invention can be used as single substances or as parts of single substances for treatment of
infections caused by any type of diarrhea causing E, coli and in a preferred embodiment
for treatment of infections caused by all of the five major types of diarrhea causing E. coli,
and in a more preferred embodiment embodiment for treatment of infections caused by at
least four, and in a separate embodiment by at least three, of the major types of diarrhea
causing E. coli. The oligosaccharide sequences are also preferred for preparation of
therapeutical compositions for treatment of diarrheas caused by several types of diarrhea
causing E. coli, in case a first indication for an oligosaccharide sequence has been
suGgested. When the oligosaccharide sequences are used alone, the theraphy is not as
effective as according to present invention when combinations of the oligosaccharide
sequences are used. As the general indication of using carbohydrate substances aGalnst
infections caused by all or major types of diarrhea causing E. coli is new and inventive, the
use of combinations of the receptor oligosaccharide sequences is even more new and
inventive.
Use of the most novel receptor olieosaccharides alone for therapies
Several oligosaccharide sequences has been suGgested as inhibitors of specific types
diarrhea causing E. coli in prior art, the data includes contradictory results and does not
allow which of the substances could be used alone. The prior art does not show the
relevance of the possible binding with regard to therapeutical use of even single binding
specificity to make inhibitors of carbohydrate mediated pathogen binding. The prior work
does not fulfil the simple primary criteria for theraphautically most relevant carbohydrate
binding. The theraphautically useful carbohydrate mediated pathogen binding could be
considered,
1) if a certain strain of pathogenic bacterium (or pathogen cell) has reprodicible
binding specificity and
2) the binding specificity is present on the pathogen and
3) the corresponding receptor oligosaccharide sequence is present on the relevant
target tissue and
4) the relevant receptor oligosaccharide sequence on target tissue is available for the
binding specificities of the pathogen.
When considering usefulness of the therapeutics, the effects of the possible inhibitor
oligosaccharide sequence must be established. The present invention shows useful
substances and compositions for inhibition of pathogens. The prior art about potential
bindings does not allow to determine effective inhibitors of pathogen binding according to
the present invention. The present invention shows for the first time relevant first contact
lacto-, neolacto-, fucosyl-, sialic acid-, and mannose receptors for diarrhea causing E. coli
in human gastrointestinal tract. Lactosylceramide receptor and Gala4Gal-receptors for
tissue binding of diarrhea causing E. coli has not been previously described, nor specific
Galß3GalNAc-binding. The approaches previously described for toxins does not cure the
disease but can only possible relieve symptoms of the disease with specific strains of E.
coli. The present invention is directed to use following groups of oligosaccharide
sequences according to the invention also as single substances or as part of single
substances for treatment of general and specific indications of diarrhea causing E. coli.
a) Lactosylceramide receptors
b) Galß3GalNAc -receptors
c) Gala4Gal-receptors
d) Lacto-receptors, preferably Gal|13GlcNAcß3Gal-receptors
e) Neolacto-receptors, preferably (GlcNAcß3)0 or iGalpaGlcNAcß3Gal-receptors
f) Fucosyl-receptors
g) Sialic acid-receptors
h) Mannose receptors
The oligosaccharide sequences are also preferred for preparation of therapeutical
compositions for treatment of diarrheas caused by several types of diarrhea causing B. coli,
in case a first indication for an oligosaccharide sequence has been suGgested. When the
oligosaccharide sequences are used alone, the theraphy is not as effective as according to
present invention when combinations of the oligosaccharide sequences are used. The
invention of relevance of the specific oligosaccharide sequences also adds the
inventiveness of approaches using specific combinations of the oligosaccharide sequences.
The relevant oligosaccharide sequences can be also used as monovalent and polyvalent
inhibitors as described by the invention.
Preferred receptor oligosaccharide sequences for therapy, prevention or treatment in
connection to separate dianrheageru"c E. coli indications
Preferred and novel substances and compositions to be used aGalnst EHEC-infections
Present invention is also directed to the treatment of diseases caused by enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli. Previously Gala4Gal-comprising substances have been described for
blocking the shiga-like toxin of E. coli. Methods to use several oligosaccharide sequences
especially to block the binding of the bacteria have not been previously described. In the
present invention several strains of EHEC were screened. Special binding profile of
preferred binding specificities were found. According to the present invention these
specificities among the group of eight specificities are preferred for treatment of EHEC.
Substances comprising following oligosaccharide sequences are preferred for the treatment
of EHEC-infections: lactosylceramide receptors, ganglio receptors, lacto receptors,
neolacto receptors, fucose receptors, and mannose receptors; more preferably
lactosylceramide receptors, lacto-receptors, neolacto-receptors, and fucose receptors. The
substances are also preferred in compositions comprising at least two receptor
oligosaccharide sequences as described by the invention.
It is realized that the oligosaccharide sequences can be used together with toxin blocking
oligosaccharide sequences such as Gala4Gal-type receptors of shiga like toxin. Several
oligovalent and polyvalent oligosaccharides has been described to be effective inhibitors of
the toxins especially when using Gala4GalpaGlc and Gala4GalpaGlcNAc-type
sequences. In the light of previous studies the toxin blocking alone is not enouGh for
effective treatment According to the present invention the Gala4Gal-type
oligosaccharides are not major adhesion receptors for EHEC-adhesion and for effective
treatment.
In a preferred embodiment for EHEC prevention, treatment or diagnostics at least one of
the receptors in the group of lacto-receptors, neolacto- receptors and fucose-receptors are
used. More preferably at least two of the receptors are used. It is also preferred to use at
least three or at least four receptors. These are preferred due to higher speficifity towards
pathogenic organism. It is especially preferred to use the high affinity forms of the
receptors selected from the group consisting of: lacto receptors, neolacto receptors and
fucose receptors. The present invention is also directed to the treatment of EHEC
infections by blocking the first contact receptors of the EHEC-adhesion to human gastric
epithelium, especially at least one of the receptors selected from the group consisting of
lacto receptors, neolacto receptors, fucose receptors and mannose receptors are used.
More preferably at least two of the receptors are used. In another embodiment at least one
of the first contact receptors and more preferably at least two of the first contact receptors
is/are used together with at least one of the second contact receptors from the group of
lactoreceptors or ganglioreceptors. In a preferred embodiment high affinity variant of the
preferred receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention are used.
Preferred and novel substances and compositions to be used aGalnst EPEC-infections
Present invention is also directed to the treatment of diseases caused by enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli. Multiple non-characterized binding specificities have been suGgested for
EPEC. Therapeutical usefulness of these has not been demonstrated. The relevance of the
bindings to the infection has not been shown and previous data does not allow to define
useful compositions or substances among the ones indicated. Reports are contradictory and
some reports indicate that the substances would not be useful for treatment. Methods to use
several oligosaccharide sequences especially to block the binding of the bacteria have not
been previously described. In the present invention several strains of EPEC were screened.
Substances comprising following oligosaccharide sequences are preferred for the treatment
of EPEC-infections: lactosylceramide receptors, Gala4Gal-receptor, sialic acid receptors,
high affinity neolacto receptors and novel ganglio receptors.
The high-affinity neolacto-receptors comprise the terminal oligosaccharide sequences
according to the Formula
[GlcNAcß3]n,GalpaGlcNAc[ß3Gal (ß4Glc(NAc) n2}n3]n4 (XIV)
wherein nl, n2, n3, and n4 are independently integers 0 or 1, when nl is 1,
the non-reducing terminal GlcNAc according to the formula can be further substituted by
other monosaccharide residue or oligosaccharide residues, preferably by Gal(ß4 or
GlcNAcß3Galpa,
with the proviso that at least n4 is 1 or nl is 1.
The novel ganglio receptors according to the present invention comprise the terminal
disaccharide Gal|53GalNAc with the proviso that the disaccharide is preferably not (34
linked to lactose. The disaccharide epitope is in general cheaper to produce than the
tetrasacharide epitope. More preferably the oligosaccharide sequence is Galß3GalNAcß
with the proviso that the disaccharide epitope is not (34-linked to lactose or
Galß3GalNAc(MGal, with the proviso that the reducing end Gal is not (M-linked to
glucose. The terminal disaccharide and trisaccharide sequences have not been previously
described as receptors for diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria nor as receptors for EPEC-
bacteria. The use of these is preferred to the known tetrasaccharide receptors because of
the more cost-effective synthesis.
The substances are also preferred in compositions comprising at least two of the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences as described by the present invention.
The present invention is specifically directed to the inhibition of the EPEC-binding and
theraphy aGalnst EPEC infections by using at least one preferred EPEC-inhibiting
oligosaccharide sequence chosen from the group: lactosylceramide receptors, Gala4Gal-
receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto receptors, sialic acid receptors, and fucose receptors
and more preferably chosen from the group: Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto
receptors and fucose receptor, when the receptors are as described by the present
invention. Furthermore the present invention is directed to the inhibition of EPEC-binding
and theraphy aGalnst EPEC infections by using compositions comprising at least two or at
least three of the preferred oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment high affinity variant of the preferred receptor oligosaccharide
sequences according to the present invention are used. It is also preferred to use
monovalent receptors and polyvalent receptor conjuGates according to the present
invention in connection with EPEC.
The present invention is also directed to combination of the receptor oligosaccharide
sequences to be used in theraphy aGalnst EPEC together with an oligosaccharide sequence
or oligosaccharide sequences which can inhibit the intimin receptor involved in the later
stage of the infection cascade. The receptors of intimin have been described to be
oligosaccharides with terminal structure Fuca2Gal, especially fucosyllactose
Fuca2Galß4Glc and Fuca2Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc.
Preferred and novel substances and compositions to be used aGalnst ETEC-infections
Present invention is also directed to the treatment of diseases caused by enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli. Multiple non-characterized binding specificities have been suGgested for
ETEC. Therapeutical usefulness of these has not been demonstrated. The relevance of the
bindings to the infection has not been shown and previous data does not allow to define
useful compositions or substances among the ones indicated. Reports are contradictory and
some reports indicate that the substances would not be useful for treatment. Methods to use
several oligosaccharide sequences especially to block the binding of the bacteria have not
been previously described. In the present invention several strains of ETEC were screened.
Substances comprising following oligosaccharide sequences are preferred for the treatment
of ETEC-infections: lactosylceramide receptors, Galct4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors,
neolacto receptors, sialic acid receptors, fucose receptors and the novel ganglio receptors.
More preferably for the treatment or diagnostics of ETEC at least one oligosaccharide
sequence is chosen from the group Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto receptors,
and fucose receptors, when the receptors are as described by the present invention.
Furthermore the present invention is directed to the inhibition of ETEC-binding and
thersphy aGalnst ETEC infections by using compositions comprising at least two .or at least
three of the oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment high affinity variant of the preferred receptor oligosaccharide
sequences according to the present invention are used.
It is also preferred to use monovalent receptors and polyvalent receptor conjuGates
according to the present invention in connection with ETEC.
Preferred and novel substances and compositions to be used aGalnst EAEC-infections
The present invention describes novel binding specificities for enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli (EAEC). It is realized that substances comprising the oligosaccharide
sequences according to the each of the eight binding specificities of the present invention
can be used for the treatment of infections caused by EAEC or diagnostics of the EAEC
even as single substances. The present invention is also especially directed to the use one
of the of the receptors in group Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto receptors,
sialic acid receptors, and mannose receptors for infections caused by EAEC or diagnostics
of the EAEC. More preferably at least two of the receptors are used. These are preferred
due to higher speficificty towards pathogenic organism. It is especially preferred to use the
preferred or high affinity forms of the receptor or receptors chosen from the group group
lacto-receptors, neolacto receptors and fucose receptors.
The present invention is also directed to the treatment of EAEC infections by blocking of
the first contact receptors of the EAEC-adhesion to human gastric epithelium, especially
by using at least one of the receptor oligosaccharide chosen from the group: lacto
receptors, neolacto receptors, fucose-receptors, sialic acid receptors, and mannose
receptors. More preferably at least two of the receptors are used. In another embodiment
at least one of the first contact receptors and more preferably at least two of the first
contact receptors is/are used together with at least on of the second contact receptors in the
group Gala4Gal-receptors, lactosylceramide-receptors and ganglio receptors.
In a preferred embodiment high affinity variant of the preferred receptor oligosaccharide
sequences according to the present invention are used.
It is also preferred to use monovalent receptors and polyvalent receptor conjuGates
according to the present invention in connection with EAEC.
Preferred and novel substances and compositions to be used aGalnst EIEC-infections
The present invention describes novel binding specificities for enteroinvasive Escherichia
coli (EIEC). It is realized that substances comprising the oligosaccharide sequences
according to the each of the eight binding specificities of the present invention can be used
for the treatment of infections caused by EIEC or diagnostics of the EIEC even as single
substances. The present invention is also especially directed to the use of at least one of the
of the receptors chosen from the group: Gala4Gal-receptors, lacto receptors, neolacto
receptors, sialic acid receptors, fucose-receptors, or mannose-receptors for infections
caused by EIEC or diagnostics of the EIEC. More preferably at least two of the receptors
are used. These are preferred due to higher speficificty towards pathogenic organism. It is
especially preferred to use the high affinity forms of the receptors in group lacto receptors,
neolacto receptors and fucose receptors.
The present invention is also directed to the treatment of EIEC infections by blocking of
the first contact receptors of the EIEC-adhesion to human gastric epithelium, especially by
using at least one of the receptor oligosaccharide chosen from the group: lacto receptors,
neolacto receptors, fucose-receptors, sialic acid receptors, and mannose receptors. More
preferably at least two of the receptors are used. In another embodiment at least one of the
first contact receptors and more preferably at least two of the first contact receptors is/are
used together with at least on of the second contact receptors in the group Gala4Gal-
receptors, lactosylceramide-receptors and ganglio receptors.
In a preferred embodiment high affinity variant of the preferred receptor oligosaccharide
sequences according to the present invention are used.
It is also preferred to use monovalent receptors and polyvalent receptor conjuGates
according to the present invention in connection with EIEC.
Use of the methods and compositions according to the invention for animal theraphies
In a specific embodiment the invention is used for treatment of infections of cattle or pet
animals. The binding specificities of animal infecting bacteria are different from the human
pathogens. However, the general mechanisms using several specificities at the same time,
and use of polyvalent conjuGates, especially soluble polyvalent conjuGates according to the
invention, are also preferred for use with animals. The binding specificities are also
partially cross-reactive and some of the receptor combinations described by the present
invention are also useful for animal theraphies, and some bacterial strains spread from
animals like cows. According to the present invention several of the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences are present in gastrointestinal tract of animals such as cats and
dogs and even in pigs. The cross-reactivity between a specific animal species or between a
human and a specific animal for a specific strain cannot be known before the binding
specificities are analysed. The most common E. coli bacteria causing infections in animals
such as K99 or K88-strains do not infect humans.
The present invention is especially directed to prevention of the transfer of the infections
from animals to human beings and vice versa. Such transfer is an important mechanism in
pathogenesis of many diarrheas such as diseases caused by EHEC including the so called
hamburger disease. When cattle or food products from cattle or pets or other animals are
transferred between countries there are also risks for spreading infectious diseases such as
diarhhea.
Replacement of traditional antibiotics
The need of anti-infective therapies for animals is urgent as use of traditional antibiotics is
not acceptable and even getting prohibited. The therapies aim to replace totally or partially
the traditional antibiotics in animal nutrition and treatments.
The present invention show receptor sequences which are also described for animals living
in proximity to humans and they probably have a role in the transfer of the infection from
cattle to human. The present invention also shows actual binding of human diarrhea-
causing E. coli bacteria to animal glycolipds. Some of the glycolipid receptors are same
between animals and human intestinal tissues. The present invention is also directed to the
receptors which are specific for animals, several animal specific receptor or receptors more
common in animals. Preferred animals to which the invention is directed are major cattle
or farm animals such as cows and other domestic ruminants, pigs, sheep, horses, poultry
including for example hens, ducks and turkeys and rabbits or pet animals such as dogs, cats
or rodents species including mice and rats or hamsters or guinea pigs and rabbits. Most of
the common pet animal can be also used as laboratory animals, whose healthy is important
for the experiments. Animals may also be in need of theraphy in nature or in sanctuaries or
in zoos for example. Primates, especially chimpanzees and apes, are especially at risk of
being infected by human pathogens as they are the most close human relatives. Most
preferred animal species to be treated according to the invention are dogs, cats, pigs and
cows.
The present invention is also directed to the search of animal specific receptors for diarrhea
causing bacteria.
TheN-glycolyl-neuraminic acid containing oligosaccharide sequences are mostly animal
specific as biosynthetic enzymes making this structure are not present in humans. The
human receptors comprising this monosaccharide are probably synthesized from the
monosaccharide arising from animal foods. NeuGc is a common monosaccharide in many
animals. Glycopeptides comprising this monosaccharide has been used aGalnst diarrhea in
calves aGalnst animal specific K99 E. coli. Present invention describes several NeuGc-
oligosaccharide sequences which can be used in animals when the animal is infected by
cross-reactive E.coli.
Ex vivo uses of the present invention
It is realized mat the present invention can be used for inhibition of pathogens especially
diarrhea causing E. coli ex vivo and such method has use in disinfection and preservation
type applications. It is preferred to use the receptor oligosaccharide sequences according
to the present invention as part of single substances or as single substances or more
preferably as composition comprising at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences from
different groups according to the present invention for inhibition pathogens, preferably E.
coli ex vivo. Polyvalent conjuGates according to the present invention, especially soluble
polyvalent conjuGates which can agglutinate pathogens, preferably diarrheagenic E. coli,
are preferred for ex vivo uses. One special ex vivo embodiment of the invention is the
cleansing or disinfection of surfaces, e.g., of tables, medical devices and packages, in
hospital or hospital-like enviroment with a cleanser or disinfectant containing the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences described in the present invention. The receptor saccharides
described by the invention can also be used as ingredients in a soap or detergent used for
washing or bathing of patients in hospital or hospital-like enviroment.
Oral infections and oral health products
It is realized that infections targetted by the present invention spread throuGh oral route,
possibly also from nose to the oral cavity. The present invention is directed to the
prevention of the infections already in human mouth. The present invention is directed to
the treatment of oral infections by at least two different oligosaccharide sequences which
can inhibit at least two different binding specificities of pathogen, preferably orally
infecting bacterium and more preferably a diarrhea causing bacterium. It is preferred to use
the receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention as part of single
substances or as single substances or as composition comprising at least two receptor
oligosaccharide sequences from different groups according to the present invention for
inhibition of oral or nasal infections. According to the present invention the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention are used as compositions or
as separate substances in products inhibiting pathogens, called here mouth hygiene
products, in human mouth.
It is realized that human mouth comprises similar receptors as human intestine especially
on proteins at least neolacto-receptors, mannose receptors and oligosaccharide receptors
resembling fucose receptors according to the present invention. As a separate embodiment
it is realized that the substances and compositions according to the present invention are
also useful in inhibiting pathogens causing caries. In a specific embodiment the present
invention is also directed to the compositions according to the present invention for
treatment of other orally spreading infections such as infection causing otitis media or lung
infections including influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia. The mouth hygiene products
according to the present invention can also be directed aGalnst caries, otitis media,
bronchitis and pneumonia. In a specific embodiment the composition to used in mouth
hygiene product or for inhibition of a pathogen infecting orally comprises at least
oligosaccharide sequences Neu5Aca3GalpaGlcNAc and/or Neu5Aca3Gal|$4Glc or more
preferably Neu5Aca6Gal|$4GlcNAc and/or Neu5Aca6GalpaGlc and it is directed at least
aGalnst human influenza virus, preferably for prophylaxis of influenza virus.
The present invention is especially directed to mouth hygiene products comprising
substances or compositions comprising pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences,
especially oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention. The mouth hygiene
product is preferably selected from the group consisting of tooth pastes, mouth wash
solutions, mouth tablets, chewing tablets, and chewing gums. It is preferred to use either
monovalent receptor oligosaccharide sequences or polyvalent receptor oligosaccharide
sequences. In another preferred embodiment the mouth hygiene product comprises
polyvalent oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention. Due to size of
human mouth and volume of liquid saliva on its surface relatively small amount of
oligosaccharides is enouGh to obtain saturating rating concentrations of pathogen
inhibiting receptors in mouth. The typical amounts of receptor active monovalent epitopes
varies from about 100 nmol to 100 pxaol of the receptor active oligosaccharide, (at
molecular weight 1000 Da this would be 100 \ig to 100 nig). More generally useful
amounts are estimated to be between about 1-10 umol. In a separate embodiment the
present invention about therapeutical composition is also directed to pathogen inhibiting
nasal sprays. The nasal sprays can be directed aGalnst otitis media or lung infections.
Topical, washing and cosmetic products
It is realized that the common pathogens can spread on human surfaces such as human
skin, genital epithelia, hair, household surfaces, and other surfaces in human environment.
The oligosacchride sequences according to the present invention are also useful for
prevention of the pathogens also in these environments. It is therefore also preferred to use
the oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention as single substances, as
part of single substances, or as composition comprising at least two receptor
oligosaccharide sequences from different groups according to the present invention in
topical or cosmetic products, for example as creams, lotions, or gels. It is also preferred to
use the substances or compositions according to the present invention products aimed for
washing human skin, hair or genital epithelia, (which can be also called as personal
hygiene products), or for household surfaces, dishes or clothes. Traditional antibiotics have
been aimed for use of household washing solutions, but are not useful because of
resistance problems which are not likely with the substances according to the present
invention. In preferred embodiment polyvalent oligosaccharide sequences are used for
washing solutions, in another preferred embodiment monovalent oligosaccharide
sequences are used for washing solutions.
Food safety products to be applied to foods or feeds, beverages, drinks and water
Besides the therapeutic uses in humans or in animals the invention is also directed to the
use of receptors and compositions according to the invention for the prevention of the
infections by using the invention to neutralize pathogens or bacteria inside or on surfaces
of food products. Carbohydrates according to the present invention can for example be
applied on the surfaces of meat products or animal bodies, body parts in meat production
to prevent the spreading of pathogens. Use of soluble and other polyvalent conjuGates to
cover and agglutinate the bacteria are preferred. A specific method to be used on a surface
of a solid or semi-solid food product involves contacting the bacteria with the
carbohydrates receptors described by the invention and optionally washing away the
pathogen carbohydrate complexes. This kind of method is not acceptable with traditional
antibiotics. The carbohydrates according to the invention can be also applied to liquid food
products or concentrates or powder to make these including milk and liquid milk like
products, various beverages including juices, soft drinks, sport drinks, alcoholic beverages
and the like.
In a specific embodiment the carbohydrate according to the invention in polymeric form is
applied to a liquid food product or a beverage product, potential pathogens are agglutinated
by the polyvalent conjuGate and the agglutinated complex is removed by a method based
on size or solubility of the complex. Non-soluble agglutinates can be removed when these
precipitate by standard methods like decanting the solution above the precipitate or more
usually more effectively by filtration methods.
Filtration methods can be used to remove larger agglutinated complexes.
Preferred foods to be treated with carbohydrates according to the invention include various
animal food products, especially meat products and middle products in processing. Many
pathogens including diarrhea causing E. coli bacteria are transmitted effectively from
vegetables, fruits, salads and other plant foods which are not properly washed. The food
stuffs which need washing, but are not washed properly or washed with contaminated
water are especially problematic in developing countries. The present invention is also
directed to methods for increasing food safety of plant foods and other foods in need of
washing to control the amount of pathogens, especially pathogenic E. coli bacteria in the
food products. The invention is especially directed to home customer products and
products aimed for the food industry to prevent infections from food. The product is
preferentially in solid form as powder or pill or in a capsule containing solutions of the
receptors according to the invention, which can be applied to food under processing. Such
product can be used to prevent diarrheas in developing countries especially diarrheas in
children. The food safety product is also directed to the prevention of travellers diarrheas.
The food safety products and feed safety products below can be considered as novel safe
preservatives.
Filter products to purify beverages and water
Contaminated drinks and water are major cause of gastrointestinal diseases, especially
diarrheas.
The receptors according to the present invention can be also used to make filters to purify
pathogens, especially bacteria from liquid food and beverages and water, especially water
used for drinking and preparing foods. Preferentially at least two recptor structures are
used. Methods are known to produce solid phase materials to which carbohydrate
sequences are conjuGtated to be used as filters for example from cellulose or plastics or
agarose and similar materials. The filters according to the invention also include affinity
chromatography material known in the art. Methods to remove bound materials from such
filters are known and in a specific embodiment the filter is regenerated by removing the
contaminant and optionally sterilizing the filter by heat or other sterilizing means.
Feed safety products
The food safety products described above can be also applied to animal solid and liquid
feeds and drinking water of animals. Preferred target animals to be protected includes pet
animals, especially cats and dogs and cattle or farm animal such as cows and other
domestic ruminants, pigs, sheep, horses, poultry including for example hens, ducks and
turkeys, and rabbits.
Water, food and feed safety analytics.
Standard analytic and diagnostic methods in combination with the receptor carbohydrates
according to the invention can be applied to water, beverages, foods and feeds to measure
presence pathogens binding to the receptor carbohydrates. The knowledge of the binding
specificities of contaminating pathogens can be applied to design of theraphy when
patients are infected or to methods for food safety remove or control pathogens as
described above.
Other carbohydrate based interactions which can be inhibited according to the invention
Besides inhibiting different types of adhesin presentations the invention can be also used to
inhibit carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions and carbohydrate-lectin interactions.
The carbohydrate compositions and substances comprises of oligosaccharide sequences.
The oligosaccharides inhibit one or several pathogens by binding one or several pathogens
and/or by binding the receptors of one or several pathogens. Preferentially at least two
pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences are used and more preferentially at least
three pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences. In other embodiments at least four,
five, six, or seven pathogenesis inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences are used.
In specific theraphies one or several of the oligosaccharide sequences are given separately
at different time points. This is especially useful when the administration of all the
oligosaccharide sequences would have negative effects on the normal flora. The separate
administration of the therapeutic compositions can be useful also because of effect of
nutritional situation in the gastrointestinal tract could change differently the stability of the
on the oligosaccharide sequences according to the inventionin the gastrointestinal tract.
Use of the invention together with probiotic bacteria
When the invention is used to inhibit bacterial binding, especially multiple bacterial
bindings, also some beneficial bacterial bindings can be prevented. The normal bacterial
flora has many important functions for example in the human gastrointestinal system. The
destruction of the normal bacterial flora is however an even larger problem with use of
traditional antibiotics.
In a separate embodiment at least two pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharides are
administered together with a probiotic microbe and/or a prebiotic substance. The probiotic
microbe according to the invention represent a non-harmful bacteria with beneficial
functions, for example in digestion of food, providing nutrients and vitamins or covering
tissue surfaces from pathogenic bacteria. The probiotic bacteria comprise preferentially
one or several or multitude of normal bacterial flora. In a preferred embodiment the
probiotic bacterium comprise one or several types, strains, or species of lactic acid
bacteria.
The prebiotic substance is a substance supporting the normal flora or probiotic microbe.
Preferred prebiotic substances include prebiotic carbohydrates, such as galactose
oligosaccharides, xylose oligosaccharide, or fructose oligosaccharides used as prebiotic
substances, the prebiotic substances also include polysaccharides and fibers with prebiotic
acticities such as inulin or midified starches. The present invention is also directed to the
use of other polysaccharides which are used in food or for nutritional purposes such as
chitosan or beta-glucans for example glucan from oats, which are used to reduce
cholesterol and fats. In a preferred embodiment one or several pathogen inhibiting
carbohydrates are chosen so that they are also prebiotic substances like carbohydrates with
a non-reducing terminal beta linked galactose residue. In a preferred form of therapy
a) pathogens and potentially part of the normal flora are first removed by one or more
preferentially at least two carbohydrates according to the invention
b) probiotic microbe and/or prebiotic substance are applied.
Stepa 1 and 2 may also be applied in reversed order, preferably with a large amount of the
probiotic microbe and/or prebiotic substance and then step one. According to the invention
it is also possible to repeat steps 1 and/or 2 several times while varying the order of the
steps. Steps 1 and 2 may be applied at the same time. The substances according to the
invention can be administered together with probiotic microbe and/or prebiotic substance
or alternatively probiotic microbe and/or prebiotic substance can be included in the
compositions according to the invention, and then steps 1 and 2 above can be performed
simultaneously.
Some of the oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention are known to have
prebiotic effects, these includes N-acetyl-lactosamine type oligosaccharide sequences, and
fucosylated oligosaccharides, especially human milk oligosaccharides. Administration
human milk oligosaccharides together with a probiotic microbe and/or prebiotic substance,
especially N-acetyllactosamine containing for example one or several from the group
Lacto-N-neotetraose, Lacto-N-tetraose, Lacto-N-hexaose, Lacto-N-neohexaose, para-
Lacto-N-hexaose, para-Lacto-N-neohexaose, and/or fucosylated oligosaccharides derived
from these such as mono-di- or trifucosylated Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) or/or Lacto-N-
neotetraose (LNnT) and/ or fucosyl-lactose oligosaccharides such as 2"fucosyl-lactose, and
/or 3-fucosyllactose, and/or difucosyllactose is one embodiment of the invention.
Other useful substances to be used with the substances and/or compositions according to
the invention
According to the present invention it is also useful to use the pathogenesis preventing
carbohydrate together with a glycosidase inhibitor.
According to the present invention it is also useful to use the pathogenesis preventing
carbohydrate together with a lectin or another carbohydrate binding protein. The lectin can
be used to block carbohydrate receptors, for example on the bacterial exopolysaccharides.
Hydroxyl substance means ceramide comprising hydroxyl fatty acid or more preferrably an
analog thereof. The analog is preferably a spacer conjuGating the oligosaccharide sequence
to the carrier.
A preferred composion comprises mixtures human milk oligosaacharide backbones such as
LNT and LNnT, and optimally with elongated or branched structures and/or natural sialic
acid and fucose modifications.
E. coli means herein bacterium Escherichia coli. The Ecoli or Escherichia coli which is
targeted by the present invention means diarrhea causing E. coli or in other words
diarrheagenic E. coli. The diarrheagenic E. coli means all types of E. coli including non-
typed wild type strains of E. coli which cause diarrheas especially to humans. In more
limited embodiments the diarrheagenic E. coli specifically includes the five major types of
the diarrhea causing E. coli, namely EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC
(enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), EAEC
(enteroaggregative Escherichia coli) and EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli). The
abbreviations such as EHEC also mean multiple strains of the specific type of E. coli,
multiple strains can be also indicated by letter s after the abbreviation like in "EHECs".
In this invention the terms "analog" and "derivative" are defined as follows. According to
the present invention it is possible to design structural analogs or derivatives of the
Escherichia coli binding oligosaccharide sequences. Thus, the invention is also directed to
the structural analogs of the substances according to the invention. The structural analogs
according to the invention comprise the structural elements important for the binding of
Escherichia coli to the oligosaccharide sequences. For design of effective structural
analogs it is important to know the structural element important for the binding between
Escherichia coli and the saccharides. The important structural elements are preferably not
modified or these are modified by very close mimetics of the important structural element.
These elements preferably include the 4-, and 6-hydroxyl groups of the Galpa residue in
the trisaccharide and oligosaccharide epitopes. Also the positioning of the linkages
between the ring structures is an important structural element. For a high affinity binding
the acetamido group or acetamido mimicking group is preferred in the position
corresponding to the acetamido group of the reducing end-GlcNAc of the di-or
trisaccharide epitopes. Acetamido group mimicking group may be another amide, such as
alkylamido, arylamido, secondary amine, preferentially N-ethyl or N-methyl, O-acetyl, or
O-alkyl for example O-ethyl or O-methyl.
The structural derivatives according to the invention are oligosaccharide sequences
according to the invention modified chemically so that the binding to the Escherichia coli
is retained or increased. According to the invention it is preferred to derivatize one or
several of the hydroxyl or acetamido groups of the oligosaccharide sequences. The
invention used to describe several positions of the molecules which could be changed
when preparing the analogs or the derivatives. Preferred derivatives of the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention include reducing-end
derivatives of the oligosaccharide sequences. Multiple derivatization methods are known
to link oligogosaccharides to other carbohydrates, aglycon molecules or various carriers.
The Cl -carbon of the reducing end monosaccharide residue can be linked throuGh a
sulphur, carbon or nitrogen atoms to other carbohydrates, aglycon molecules or various
carriers, especially polyvalent carriers. Methods such as reductive amination can be used
when the pathogen binding carbohydrate epitope is not destroyed by opening the reducing
end monosaccharide residue. Derivatives of acetamido groups are also preferred.
Acetamido- groups can be deacetylated and derivatized for example by other carboxylic
acids, the acetamido-derivatives can be screened for better pathogen binding. The
derivatives can also be produced from precursors of the oligosaccharide to be derivatized
for example from oligosaccharide sequences comprising hexosamine-residues. Methods to
produce oligosaccharide analogs for the binding of a lectin are well known. For example,
numerous analogs of sialyl-Lewis x oligosaccharide have been produced, representing the
active functional groups on different scaffolds, see page 12090 Sears and Wong 1996.
Similarly, analogs of heparin oligosaccharides has been produced by Sanofi Corporation
and sialic acid-mimicking inhibitors such as Zanamivir and Tamiflu (Relenza) for the
sialidase enzyme by numerous groups. Preferably the oligosaccharide analog is built on a
molecule comprising at least one six- or five-membered ring structure, more preferably the
analog contains at least two ring structures comprising 6 or 5 atoms.
In mimicking structures monosaccharide rings may be replaced rings such as cyclohexane
or cyclopentane, aromatic rings including benzene ring, heterocyclic ring structures may
comprise besides oxygen for example nitrogen and sulphur atoms. To lock the active ring
conformations the ring structures may be interconnected by tolerated linker groups.
Typical mimetic structures may also comprise peptide analog-structures for the
oligosaccharide sequence or part of it.
The effects of the active groups to binding activity are cumulative and lack of one group
could be compensated by adding an active residue on the other side of the molecule.
Molecular modelling, preferably by a computer can be used to produce analog structures
for the Escherichia coli binding oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention. The
results from the molecular modelling of several oligosacharide sequences are given in
examples and the same or similar methods, besides NMR and X-ray crystallographic
methods, can be used to obtain structures for other oligosaccharide sequences according to
the invention. It is also noted that the monovalent, oligovalent or polyvalent
oligosaccharides can be activated to have higher activity towards the lectins by making
derivatives of the oligosaccharide by combinatorial chemistry. When the library is created
by substituting one or a few residues in the oligosacharide sequence, it can be considered
as derivative library, alternatively when the library is created from the analogs of the
oligosaccharide sequences described by the invention. A combinatorial chemistry library
can be built on the oligosaccharide or its precursor or on glycoconjuGates according to the
invention. For example, oligosaccharides with variable reducing ends can be produced by
so called carbohydrid technology. In a preferred embodiment a combinatorial chemistry
library is conjuGated to the Escherichia coli binding substances described by the invention.
In a more preferred embodiment the library comprises at least 6 different molecules. Such
library is preferred for use of assaying microbial binding to the oligosaccharide sequences
according to the invention. Amino acids or collections of organic amides are commercially
available and can be used for the synthesis of combinatorial library of acetamido analogs.
A high affinity binder could be identified from the combinatorial library for example by
using an inhibition assay, in which the library compounds are used to inhibit the bacterial
binding to the glycolipids or glycoconjuGates described by the invention. Structural
analogs and derivatives preferred according to the invention can inhibit the binding of the
Escherichia coli binding oligosaccharide sequences according to the invention to
Escherichia coli.
Neolacto-receptor analog trisaccharide epitopes comprising glucose at the reducing end
Steric hindrance by the lipid part or the proximity of the silica surface probably may limit
the measurement of the neolacto-analogous epitope GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc in current TLC-
assay. Considering the contribution of the terminal monosaccharide to the binding
indicates that Glc could be allowed at the reducing end of the epitope. The trisaccharide
epitopes with Glc at reducing end are considered as effective analogs of the Escherichia
coli binding substance when present in oligovalent or more preferably in polyvalent form.
One embodiment of the present invention is the saccharides with Glc at reducing end,
which are used as free reducing saccharides with high concentration, preferably in the
range 1 -100 g/1, more preferably 1—20 g/l. It is realized that these saccharides may have
minor activity in the concentration range 0,1 - 1 g/l.
In the present invention the pathogen receptor or pathogen inhibitor by other words,
especially receptors for diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, are described as oligosaccharide
sequences. The oligosaccharide sequence defined here can be a part of a natural or
synthetic glycoconjuGate or a free oligosaccharide or a part of a free oligosaccharide. Such
oligosaccharide sequences can be bonded to various monosaccharides or oligosaccharides
or polysaccharides on polysaccharide chains, for example, if the saccharide sequence is
expressed as part of a bacterial polysaccharide. Moreover, numerous natural modifications
of monosaccharides are known as exemplified by O-acetyl or sulphated derivative of
oligosaccharide sequences. The Escherichia coli receptor oligosaccharide sequence
defined here can comprise the oligosaccharide sequence described as a part of a natural or
synthetic glycoconjuGate or a corresponding free oligosaccharide or a part of a free
oligosaccharide. The Escherichia coli receptor oligosaccharide sequence can also comprise
a mix of the Escherichia coli receptor oligosaccharide sequences. In a preferred
embodiment the the oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention are non-
reducing terminal oligosaccharide sequences, which means here that the oligosaccharide
sequences are not linked to other monosaccharide or oligosaccharide structures except
optionally from the reducing end of the oligosaccharide sequence. The oligosaccharide
sequence when present as conjuGate is preferably conjuGated from the reducing end of the
oligosaccharide sequence, thouGh other linkage positions which are tolerated by the
pathogen binding can be also used. In a more specific embodiment the oligosaccharide
sequence according to the present invention means the corresponding oligosaccharide
residue which is not linked by natural glycosidic linkages to other monosaccharide or
oligosaccharide structures. The oligosaccharide residue is preferably a free oligosaccharide
or a conjuGate or derivative from the reducing end of the oligosaccharide residue.
The pathogen receptor oligosaccharide sequences can be synthesized enzymatically by
glycosyltransferases, or by transglycosylation catalyzed by glycosidase or transglycosidase
enzymes (Ernst et al, 2000). Specifies of these enzymes and the use of co-factors can be
engineered. Specific modified enzymes can be used to obtain more effective synthesis, for
example, glycosyntbase is modified to do transglycosylation only. Organic synthesis of the
saccharides and the conjuGates described herein or compounds similar to these are known
(Ernst et al., 2000). Saccharide materials can be isolated from natural sources and modified
chemically or enzymatically into the pathogen receptor compounds. Natural
oligosaccharides can be isolated from milks produced by various ruminants. Transgenic
organisms, such as cows or microbes, expressing glycosylating enzymes can be used for
the production of saccharides.
In a separate embodiment the pathogen receptor substance, when the oligosaccharide is not an
asialo-gangliosacharide or lacto-receptor or neolacto-receptor, may be conjuGated to an antibiotic
substance, preferably a penicillin type antibiotic. The pathogen receptor substance targets the
antibiotic to pathogen. Such conjuGate substance is beneficial in treatment because a lower amount
of antibiotic is needed for treatment or therapy aGalnst Escherichia coli, which leads to lower side
effect of the antibiotic. The antibiotic part of the conjuGate is aimed at killing or weakening the
bacteria, but the conjuGate may also have an antiadhesive effect as described by the invention.
Present invention is specifically directed to composition comprising at least two receptor
oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention as conjuGates with a traditional
antibiotic or several traditional antibiotics. The receptor oligosaccharide sequences and the
antibiotic may be linked to a polyvalent carrier. The compositions are preferably targeted aGalnst
gastrointestinal infection, more preferably aGalns diarrhea causing E. coli.
The pathogen receptor substances, preferably in oligovalent or clustered form, can be used to treat
a disease or condition caused by the presence of the pathogen, preferably diarrhea causing
Escherichia coli. This is done by using the Escherichia coli receptor substances for anti-adhesion,
i.e. to inhibit the binding of Escherichia coli to the receptor epitopes of the target cells or tissues.
When the Escherichia coli binding substance or pharmaceutical composition is administered it will
compete with receptor glycoconjuGates on the target cells for the binding of the bacteria. Some or
all of the bacteria will then be bound to the Escherichia coli receptor substance instead of the
receptor on the target cells or tissues. The bacteria bound to the Escherichia coli receptor
substances are then removed from the patient (for example by the fluid flow in the gastrointestinal
tract), resulting in reduced effects of the bacteria on the health of the patient. Preferably the
substance used is a soluble composition comprising the Escherichia coli receptor substances. The
substance can be attached to a carrier substance which is preferably not a protein. When using a
carrier molecule several molecules of the Escherichia coli receptor substance can be attached to
one carrier and inhibitory efficiency is improved.
It is shown in the present invention that Escherichia coli can bind several kinds of oligosaccharide
sequences. Some of the binding by specific strains may represent more symbiotic interactions
which do not lead to severe conditions. Therefore total removal of the bacteria may not be
necessary for the prevention of the diseases related to Escherichia coli. The less pathogenic
bacteria may even have a probiotic effect in the prevention of more pathogenic strains of
Escherichia coli.
According to the invention it is possible to incorporate the Escherichia coli receptor
substance, optionally with a carrier, in a pharmaceutical composition, which is suitable for
the treatment of a condition due to the presence of Escherichia coli in a patient or to use
the Escherichia coli binding substance in a method for treatment of such conditions.
Examples of conditions treatable according to the invention are and related gastrointestinal
diseases, all, at least partially, caused by the Escherichia coli infection.
The pharmaceutical composition containing the pathogen receptor preferably diarrhegenic
Escherichia coli-receptor substance may also comprise other substances, such as an inert
vehicle, or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, preservatives etc, which are well known
to persons skilled in the art. The pathogen receptor, preferably diarrhegenic Escherichia
coli-receptor-substance, can be administered together with other druGs such as antibiotics
used aGalnst the pathogen or specifically Escherichia coli.
The pathogen receptor, preferably diarrheagenic Escherichia coli-receptor substance or
pharmaceutical composition containing such substance, may be administered in any
suitable way, althouGh an oral administration is preferred.
The receptor oligosaccharide sequences according to the present invention are aimed for
use in inhibition aGalnst pathogens, especially pathogenic bacteria, and the receptor
oligosaccharide sequences are also referred as pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide
sequences. In more specific embodiments the pathogen is diarrhea causing E. coli and the
receptor oligosaccharides are also referred as pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide
sequences or as E. coli receptor substances. The naming of the specific receptor
oligosaccharide sequences and other longer terms may vary with regard to use of dash or
capital letter as first letter, for example "lacto-receptor" and "lacto receptor" and "Lacto-
receptor" and "Lacto receptor" mean the same.
The term "purified fraction" used herein relates purified or isolated oligosaccharide
fraction from natural or synthetic sources. In a preferred embodiment the amount of the
active oligosaccharide sequnce or oligosaccharide sequences is analysed and/or controlled
from the fraction, optionally the amounts of other related carbohydrate structures are also
analysed. The purified fraction has reduced amount of inactive substances originating from
the source of the fraction, for example protein, monosaccharide precursors, lactose, or fat.
Potentially harmful substances, such as harmful chemicals from synthesis, allergenic
proteins, or substances considered ethically harmful, for example by religious or diet
culture reasons, are removed to a level where these are not harmful in the final product.
For medical use the purified fraction is preferably essentially pure (i.e. a purity of 98 % or
better), or non-relevant substances are controlled and comprise preferably at least less than
half of the mass of the purified fraction, more preferably less than 20% of the mass of the
purified fraction and most preferably less than 5 % of the mass of the purified fraction. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, the production of the purified fraction from animal
milk or milks involves at least partial removal of milk protein and/or fat. The purification
may comprise filtration methods, such as gelfiltration or ultrafiltration, as well as drying
and/or concentrating steps. For non-medical use the purified fraction is preferably
essentially pure or the non-relevant substances comprise preferably at least less than 95 %
of the mass of the purified fraction, more preferably less than 75% of the mass of the
purified fraction and most preferably less than 25 % of the mass of the purified fraction.
The purified fraction may be used as such or together with other ingredients of the desired
product.
The term "treatment" used herein relates both to treatment in order to cure or alleviate a
disease or a condition, and to treatment in order to prevent the development of a disease or
a condition. The treatment may be either performed in a acute or in a chronic way.
The term "patient", as used herein, relates to any human or non-human mammal in need of
treatment according to the invention. The present infection is especially directed for the
treatment of intestinal infections, especially diarrheas, when the patient is a human patient.
It is also possible to use the pathogen receptor preferably diarrhegenic Escherichia coli-
receptor substance in screening for substances that bind to the receptor substance, for
example for screening of carbohydrates (by carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions) that
bind to the Escherichia coli receptor substance. The screening can be done for example by
affinity chromatography.
Furthermore, it is possible to use substances specifically binding or inactivating the
Escherichia coli receptor substances present on human tissues and thus prevent the binding
of Escherichia coli. Examples of such substances include plant lectins such as Erythrina
cristagalli and Erythrina corallodendron (Teneberg et al, 1994). When used in humans,
the binding substance should be suitable for such use such as a humanized antibody or a
recombinant glycosidase of human origin which is non-immunogenic and capable of
cleaving the terminal monosaccharide residue/residues from the Escherichia coli receptor
substances. However, in the gastrointestinal tract, many naturally occuring lectins and
glycosidases originating for example from food are tolerated.
Nutritional, food and feed uses
Furthermore, it is possible to use the pathogen receptor oligosaccharide sequences or
Escherichia coli receptor oligosaccharide as part of a nutritional composition including
food- and feedstuff. It is preferred to use the receptor oligosaccharide sequences according
to the present invention in isngle substances or as single substances and more preferably in
composition comprising at least two receptor oligosaccharide sequences from different
groups according to the present invention for nutritional compositions, foods or feed stuffs.
It is preferred to use the Escherichia coli receptor oligosacharide sequences as substances
or compositions as a part of so called functional or functionalized food. The said functional
food has a positive effect on the person"s or animal"s health by inhibiting or preventing the
binding of Escherichia coli to target cells or tissues. The Escherichia coli receptor
substance or composition can be a part of a defined food or functional food composition.
The functional food can contain other acceptable food ingredients accepted by authorities
such as Food and DruG Administration in the USA. The Escherichia coli receptor
substance or composition can also be used as a nutritional additive, preferably as a food or
a beverage additive to produce a functional food or a functional beverage. The food or
food additive can also be produced by having ,e.g., a domestic animal such as a cow or
other animal produce the Escherichia coli receptor substance or composition in larger
amounts naturally in its milk. This can be accomplished by having the animal overexpress
suitable glycosyltransferases in its milk. A specific strain or species of a domestic animal
can be chosen and bred for larger production of the Escherichia coli receptor substance or
composition. The Escherichia coli receptor substance or composition for a nutritional
composition or nutritional additive can also be produced by a microorganisms such as a
bacteria or a yeast.
It is especially useful to have the Escherichia coli receptor substance or composition as
part of a food for an infant, preferably as a part of an infant formula. Many infants are fed
by special formulas in replacement of natural human milk. The formulas may lack the
special lactose based oligosaccharides of human milk, especially the elongated ones such
as lacto-N-neotetraose, GalpaGlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, lacto-N-tetraose,
Galß3GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc, and derivatives thereof. The lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-
neotetraose para-lacto-N-hexaose (Galß3GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc andpara-
lacto-N-neohexaose (GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc) as well as
Galß3GalpaGlc are known from human milk and can therefore be considered as safe
additives or ingredients in an infant food. Sialylated and/or fucosylated human milk
oligosaccharides and buffalo milk oligosaccharide GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc,
described as pathogen receptors according to the present invention, are also preferred for
functional foods and infant formulas. It is preferred to use combinations comprising at
least two of the milk oligosaccharides. Diarrhea causing Escherichia coli is especially
infective with regard to infants or young children, and considering the diseases it may later
cause it is reasonable to prevent the infection.
Preferred concentrations for human milk oligosaccharides in functional food to be
consumed (for example, in reconstituted infant formula) are similar to those present in
natural human milk. It is noted that natural human milk contains numerous free
oligosaccharides and glycoconjuGates (which may be polyvalent) comprising the
oligosaccharide sequence(s) described by the invention, wherefore it is possible to use
even higher than natural concentrations of single molecules to get stronger inhibitory effect
aGalnst Escherichia coli without harmful side effects. Natural human milk contains lacto-
N-neotetraose at least in range about 10-210 mg/1 with individual variations (Nakhla et
ai, 1999). Consequently, lacto-N-neotetraose is preferably used in functional food in
concentration range 0,01 -10 g/1, more preferably 0,01 - 5 g/1, most preferably 0,1 -1 g/1.
Approximately 2-5 times higher amounts of lacto-N-tetraose can be used. Alternatively,
the total concentration of the saccharides used in functional food is the same or similar to
the total concentration of natural human milk saccharides, which bind Escherichia coli like
the substances or composition described, or which contain the binding
epitope/oligosaccharide sequence indicated in the invention.
Sialyl-lactoses and sialyllactosamines occur in bovine milk at concentrations from tens of
microgram per ml to maximum of almost mg per ml of all three major oligosaccharides
together NeuNAca3GalpaGlc, NeuNAca6Gal|J4GlcNAc and NeuNAcct6GalpaGlc in
early colostrums (Nakamura et al 2003). The amounts of 0,01 -10 g/1, more preferably
0,01-5 g/l, most preferably 0,1 - 1 g/1 are preferred for products. NeuNAcat6GalpaGlc
occurs in largest amount in bovine milk and it is also preferred as effective inhibitor
aGalnst diarrheagenic E. coli.
Infant formulas also comprise, beside substances or compositions according to the present
invention, other substances used in infant formulas such as fractions from ruminant milks
such as proteins from whey or soy protein preparations or protein hydrolysates. The infant
formula may also comprise other carbohydrates useful or accepted for infant formulas such
as lactose or galactose oligosaccharides.
Preferably, the nutritional formulation of the present invention contains edible
macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in amounts desired for a particular use. The
amounts of such ingredients will vary depending on whether the formulation is intended
for use with normal, healthy infants, children, adults or subjects having specialized needs
such as those accompany certain pathological conditions (e.g., metabolic disorders). It will
be understood by persons skilled in the art that the components utilized in a nutritional
formulation of the present invention are of semi-purified or purified origin. By semi-
purified or purified is meant a material which has been prepared by purification of a
natural material or by synthesis. These techniques are well known in the art (See, e.g.,
Code of Federal Regulations for Food Ingredients and Food Processing; Recommended
Dietary Allowances, 10th Ed., National Academy Press, Washington D.C., 1989).
In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional formulation of the present invention is an infant
enteral nutritional product. Accordingly, in a further aspect of the invention, a nutritional
formulation is provided that is suitable for feeding to infants. The formula comprises, in
addition to the above described oligosaccharides, vitamins and minerals in amounts
designed to provide the daily nutritional requirements of infants.
The macronutritional components include for example, edible fats, carbohydrates and
proteins. Exemplary edible fats are coconut oil, soy oil, and mono- and diglycerides.
Exemplary carbohydrates are glucose, food grade (edible) lactose and hydrolyzed
cornstarch. A typical protein source would be for example, soy protein, electrodialysed
whey or electrodialysed skim milk or milk whey, or the hydrolysates of these proteins,
althouGh other protein sources are also available and may be used. These macronutrients
would be added in the form of commonly accepted nutritional compounds in an amount
equivalent to those present in human milk on an energy basis, i.e., on a per calorie basis.
The infant formula would preferably include the following vitamins and minerals: calcium,
phosphorous, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc,
selenium, iodine, and Vitamins A, E, D, C, and the B complex.
The infant formula can be sterilized and subsequently utilized on a ready-to-feed (RTF)
basis or stored in a concentrated liquid or a powder. The powder can be prepared for
example, by spray drying the infant formula prepared as indicated above, and the formula
can be reconstituted for example, by rehydrating the concentrate. Infant nutritional
formulas are well known in the art and commercially available (e.g., SimilacRTM. and
Alimentum.RTM. from Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories).
Examples of nutritional compositions of the present invention include but are not limited
to infant formulas, dietary supplements, dietary substitutes, and rehydration compositions,
the latter of which may also be considered as pharmaceutical compositions. Nutritional
compositions of particular interest include but are not limited to those utilized for enteral
and parenteral supplementation for infants, specialist infant formulas, supplements for the
elderly, and supplements for those with gastrointestinal difficulties and/or malabsorption.
Certainly the young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are particularly suspectible
to suffering serious, and even fatal, effects from the toxins.
The nutritional compositions of the present invention may also be added to food even
when supplementation of the diet is not required. For example, the composition may be
added to food of any type including but not limited to margarines, modified butters,
cheeses, milk, yogurt, chocolate, candy, snacks, salad oils, cooking oils, cooking fats,
meats, fish and beverages.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nutritional composition is an
enteral nutritional product, more preferably, an adult or pediatric enteral nutritional
product. For example, this composition may be administered to adults or children
experiencing gastrointestinal distress or having specialized needs due to chronic or acute
disease states. The composition may comprise, produced in accordance with the present
invention, macronutrients, vitamins and minerals as described above. The macronutrients
may be present in amounts equivalent to those present in human milk or on an energy
basis, i.e., on a per calorie basis.
Methods for formulating liquid or solid enteral and parenteral nutritional formulas are well
known in the art. The enteral formula, for example, may be sterilized and subsequently
utilized on a ready-to-feed (RTF) basis or stored in a concentrated liquid or lyophilized
powder form. The powder can be prepared by spray drying the formula prepared as
indicated above, and reconstituting it by rehydrating the concentrate. Adult and pediatric
nutritional formulas are well known in the art and are commercially available (e.g.,
Similac(R), Ensure(R), Jevity(R) and Alimentum(R) from Ross Products Division, Abbott
Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio).
The energy density of the nutritional compositions of the present invention, when in liquid
form, may range from about 0.6 Kcal to about 3 Kcal per ml. When in solid or powdered
form, the nutritional supplements may contain from about 1.2 to more than 9 Kcals per
gram, preferably about 3 to 7 Kcals per gm. In general, the osmolality of a liquid product
should be less than 700 mOsm and, more preferably, less than 660 mOsm.
The nutritional formula may include macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, as noted
above, in addition to the monovalent oligosaccharides of the present invention. The
presence of these additional components helps the individual ingest the minimum daily
requirements of these elements. In addition, it may also be desirable to add zinc, copper,
folic acid and antioxidants to the composition. It is believed that these substance boost a
stressed immune system and will therefore provide further benefits to the individual
receiving the composition. A pharmaceutical composition, as described above, may also be
supplemented with these elements.
In a more preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition comprises, in addition to
antioxidants and at least one monovalent oligosaccharide, a source of carbohydrate
wherein at least 5 weight percent of the carbohydrate is indigestible oligosaccharide. In a
more preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition additionally comprises protein,
taurine, and carnitine.
Diagnostic and analytical uses related to therapeutical uses
Furthermore, it is possible to use the Escherichia coli binding oligosaccharide receptors
according to the present invention in the diagnosis of a condition caused by an Escherichia
coli infection. Diagnostic uses also include the use of the Escherichia coli binding
substance for typing of Escherichia coli. The typing of E. coli with regard to binding of the
carbohydrate receptors according to the present invention can be used to determine
effective combination of therapeutic carbohydrates for a specific diarrheagenic E. coli
strain. This can be useful for making specific lower cost theraphies for local infections, the
profiles of carbohydrate bindings of major diarrhea causing E. coli may differ in different
geographic locations and during epidemies.
Novel protein bound receptors in human gastrointestinal tract
Present invention shows novel receptors in human gastrointestinal tract. These receptors
are present on glycoproteins and are therefore considered as first contact receptors for
infecting pathogens. The present invention is directed to the use of the novel protein linked
receptors for analysis for binding of pathogens to human gastrointestinal tract The present
invention is directed to the use of the novel protein linked receptors for diagnostics for
pathogens of human gastrointestinal tract.
Samples of protein linked carbohydrates from different position on the gastrointestinal
epithelia were analysed. The novel protein linked receptors include protein bound lacto-
receptors, leolacto-receptor, fucosyl receptors, mannose receptors or sialic acid receptors
according to the invention. The novel protein linked receptors can be used for binding
assay as released oligosacharides or oligosaccharide derivatives, alternatively the protein
linked oligosaccharide sequences can be used as isolated glycoproteins. Corresponding
oligosaccharide sequences can be also produced synthetically. In a preferred embodiment
at least part of O-glycan or N-glycan core structure of the natural protein linked receptor is
included in diagnostic or analysis substances. It is especially preferred to use the sequence
to analyse pathogen binding towards the novel protein linked receptor when the pathogen
is infecting the part of the gastrointestinal epithelium where the novel protein linked
receptor is abundant or especially found.
The novel protein linked receptors can be used for a search or design of analogous
oligosaccharide substances. The analogous substances can be therapeutically useful or can
be used for diagnostics of diarrhea. It is especially preferred to search or design structures
for which there is available effective and economical synthesis.
Structural analysis revealed some preferred protein linked receptor to be used for analysis
or diagnostics with regard to human infections. The mannose receptors are N-glycan type
oligosaccharides. The present invention is directed to diagnostic and analytic uses of high-
mannose or multimannose type N-glycans. The present invention is especially directed to
the uses of high-mannose N-glycans comprising phophate esters. The mannose receptors
are present in all major parts of human gastrointestinal tract. The neolacto-type protein
linked oligosaccharide sequences are in a preferred embodiment N-linked glycans, the
neolacto-type receptors are present in all parts of gastrointestinal tract. The lacto-receptor
was especially observed on glycoproteins of intestinal tissue. The lacto-receptor is more
preferentially present on O-glycan type sequence.
Several fucosylated novel protein bound receptors were found. Lewis a-type sequences
were especially found in intestine and larynx. Other novel fucosylated receptors useful for
analysis of human pathogen binding includes O-glycans comprising Fuca2Gal-structures,
which are present especially on human stomach.
Sialylated novel protein linked receptors includes NeuNAca3Gal- and NeuNAca6Gal -
structures. NeuNAcct3Gal- is in a preferred embodiment present on a N-linked glycan and
NeuNAca6Gal-structures are preferentially present on both N-linked and O-linked
glycans.
The novel protein linked receptors can be also used for search of substances which can
inhibit the binding of the pathogen to the novel protein bound receptor. The substance may
be an antibody, for example an antibody present in milk, which can bind to carbohydrate
receptor binding substance on pathogen. The inhibiting substance may also be a lectin
binding to the novel protein linked receptor, the lectin may be for example a food lectin.
In a specific embodiment it is also realized that the novel protein linked receptors can be
used as receptors or substrates for probiotic bacteria, which adhere and bind or is able to
degradate the structure.
In a specific embodiment it is also realized that the novel protein linked receptors can be
used for diagnostic or analytical methods to analyze the bindings of intestinal pathogens to
the receptor structures and smaller derivatives or anlogues thereof.
When the substance is used for diagnosis or typing, it may be included in, e.g., a probe or a
test stick, optionally constituting a part of a test kit. When this probe or test stick is brouGht
into contact with a sample containing Escherichia coli, the bacteria will bind the probe or
test stick and can be thus removed from the sample and further analyzed. In a preferred
embodiment the test kit comprises at least two oligosaccharide receptors according to the
present invention, more preferably the test kit comprises at least three and most preferably
at least four oligosaccharide receptors according to the present invention. In a preferred
embodiment the test kit comprises seven or all of the oligosaccharide receptors according
to the present invention.
The glycolipid structures are naturally presented in a polyvalent form on cellular
membranes. This type of representation can be mimicked by the solid phase assay
described below or by making liposomes of glycolipids or neoglycolipids.
The present novel neoglycolipids produced by reductive amination of hydrophobic
hexadecylaniline were able to provide effective presentation of the oligosaccharides. Most
previously known neoglycolipid conjuGates used for binding of bacteria have contained
negatively charged groups such as phosphor ester of phosphadityl ethanolaraine
neoglycolipids. Problems of such compounds are negative charge of the substance and
natural biological binding involving the phospholipid structure. Negatively charged
molecules are known to be involved in numerous non-specific bindings with proteins and
other biological substances. Moreover, many of these structures are labile and can be
enzymatically or chemically degraded. The present invention is directed to the non-acidic
conjuGates of oligosaccharide sequences meaning that the oligosaccharide sequences are
linked to non-acidic chemical structures. Preferably, the non-acidic conjuGates are neutral
meaning that the oligosaccharide sequences are linked to neutral, non-charged, chemical
structures. The preferred conjuGates according to the invention are polyvalent substances.
In the previous art bioactive oligosaccharide sequences are often linked to carrier
structures by reducing a part of the receptor active oligosaccharide structure. Hydrophobic
spacers containing alkyl chains (-CFh-),, and/or benzyl rings have been used. However,
hydrophobic structures are in general known to be involved in non-specific interactions
with proteins and other bioactive molecules.
The neoglycolipid data of the examples below show that under the experimental conditions
used in the assay the hexadecylaniline parts of the neoglycolipid compounds do not cause
non-specific binding for the studied bacterium. In the neoglycolipids the hexadecylaniline
part of the conjuGate forms probably a lipid layer like structure and is not available for the
binding. The invention shows that reducing a monosaccharide residue belonging to the
binding epitope may destroy the binding. It was further realized mat a reduced
monosaccharide can be used as a hydrophilic spacer to link a receptor epitope and a
polyvalent presentation structure. According to the invention it is preferred to link the
bioactive oligosaccharide via a hydrophilic spacer to a polyvalent or multivalent carrier
molecule to form a polyvalent or oligovalent/multivalent structure. All polyvalent
(comprising more than 10 receptor active oligosaccharide residues) and
oligovalent/multivalent structures (comprising 2-10 receptor active oligosaccharide
residues) are referred here as polyvalent structures, thouGh depending on the application
oligovalent/multivalent constructs can be more preferred than larger polyvalent structures.
The hydrophilic spacer group comprises preferably at least one hydroxyl group. More
preferably the spacer comprises at least two hydroxyl groups and most preferably the
spacer comprises at least three hydroxyl groups.
According to the invention it is preferred to use polyvalent conjuGates in which the
hydrophilic spacer group linking the oligosaccharide sequences to polyvalent presentation
structure is preferably a flexible chain comprising one or several -CHOH- groups and/or
an amide side chain such as an acetamido -NHCOCH3 or an alkylamido. The hydroxyl
groups and/or the acetamido group also protects the spacer from enzymatic hydrolysis in
vivo. The term flexible means that the spacer comprises flexible bonds and do not form a
ring structure without flexibility. A reduced monosaccharide residues such as ones formed
by reductive animation in the present invention are examples of flexible hydrophilic
spacers. The flexible hydrophilic spacer is optimal for avoiding non-specific binding of
neoglycolipid or polyvalent conjuGates. This is essential optimal activity in bioassays and
for bioactivity of Pharmaceuticals or functional foods, for example.
A general formula for a conjuGate with a flexible hydrophilic linker has the following
Formula 2:
[OS -O- (X)n-L,-CH(H/{CH1.2OH}p,) - {CH.OH} p2- {CH(NH-R)}p3- {CH,OH} p4- L2]m-Z
wherein L1 and L2 are linking groups comprising independently oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur
or carbon linkage atom or two linking atoms of the group forming linkages such as -O-, -
S-, -CH2-, -NH-, -N(C0CH3)-, amide groups -CO-NH- or-NH-CO- or-N=N- (hydrazine
derivative) or hydroxylamine -O-NH- and-NH-O-. L1 is linkage from carbon 1 of the
reducing end monosaccharide of X or when n =0, L1 replaces -O- and links directly from
the reducing end Cl of OS.
pi, p2, p3, and pa are independently integers from 0-7, with the proviso that at least one of
pi, p2, p3, and pa is at least 1. CH1-2OH in the branching term {CH1-2OH}p1 means that the
chain terminating group is CH2OH and when the pi is more than 1 there is secondary
alcohol groups -CHOH- linking the terminating group to the rest of the spacer. R is
preferably acetyl group (-COCH3) or R is an alternative linkage to Z and then L2 is one or
two atom chain terminating group, in another embodiment R is an analog forming group
comprising C1-4 acyl group (preferably hydrophilic such as hydroxy alkyl) comprising
amido structure or H or C1-4 alkyl forming an amine. And m > 1 and Z is polyvalent carrier.
OS and X are defined in Formula 1.
Preferred polyvalent structures comprising a flexible hydrophilic spacer according to
formula 2 include Escherichia coli binding oligosaccharide sequence (OS) ß1-3 linked to
GalpaGlc(red)-Z, and 0Sß6GlcNAc(red)-Z and 0Sp6GalNAc(red)-Z., where "(red)"
means the amine linkage structure formed by reductive animation from the reducing end
monosaccharides and an amine group of the polyvalent carrier Z.
In the present invention the oligosaccharide group is preferably linked in a polyvalent or an
oligovalent form to a carrier which is not a protein or peptide to avoid antigenicity and
possible allergic reactions, preferably the backbone is a natural non-antigenic
polysaccharide.
Therefore the some of optimal polyvalent non-acidic substances to be used according to
the invention comprises a terminal oligosaccharide sequence
Gal(NAc)ri/Glc(NAc)r2ß3GalpaGlc(NAc)u
wherein rl, r2, and u are each independently 0 or 1,
More preferably u=0 and
most preferably the oligosaccharide sequence presented in polyvalent form is
GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAc
or an analog or derivative thereof.
Soluble polyvalent conjuGates comprising hydroxylamine linkage
Effective production of soluble polyvalent oligosaccharide conjuGates, which are
biologically acceptable has been a problematic. The problem was solved by using a
chemoselective O-hydroxylamine structure to be reacted with the reducing end aldehyde of
the oligosaccharide to be coupled. The oxygen of the carrier is linked to the backbone or
spacer and the nitrogen is linked to the C-of the reducing end of the oligosaccharide. The
reaction can be produced under conditions where the polysaccharide backbone is soluble
such as in aqueous buffer.
The present invention is specifically directed to oligosaccharides conjuGated to polyvalent
oligosaccharide or polysaccharide structures by O-hydroxylamine structue.
The present invention is further directed to diarrheagenic E. coli inhibiting substance
according to
the formula
[OS-(y)p-(s)q-(z)r-]npo (spi)
wherein PO is an oligomeric or polymeric carrier structure, OS is an oligosaccharide
sequence according to the invention, PO is preferably oligosaccharide or polysaccharide
structure, n is an integer > 1 indicating the number of oligosaccharide groups covalently
attached to the carrier PO, S is a spacer group, p, q and r are each 0 or 1, whereby at least
one of p and r is different from 0, y and z are linking groups, at least one of y and z being
an O-hydroxylamine residue -O-NH- or -O-N=, with the nitrogen atom being linked to
the OS and/or PO structure, respectively, and the other y and z, if present, is a
chemoselective ligation group, with the proviso that when n is 1, the carrier structure PO
is an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide. The present invention is preferably directed to
polyvalent constructs wherein the oligosaccharide is linked from the reducing end to the
nitrogen atom of the O-hydroxylamine structure.
Chemoselective ligation groups
The The chemoselective ligation group y and/or z is a chemical group allowing coupling of
the OS- group to a spacer group or a OS- (y)p - (S)q - (z)r- group to the PO carrier,
specifically without using protecting groups or catalytic or activator reagents in the
coupling reaction. According to the invention, at least one of these groups y and z is a O-
hydroxylamine residue -O-NH- or -O- N=. Examples of other chemoselective ligation
groups which may be present include the hydrazino group - N-NH- or -N-NRi-, the ester
group -C(=O)-O-, the keto group -C(=O)-, the amide group -C(=O)-NH-, - O -, - S -, -
NH-, - NR1 -, etc., wherein Rj is H or a lower alkyl group, preferably containing up to 6
carbon atoms, etc. A preferred chemoselective ligation group is the ester group -C(=O)-O-
formed with a hydroxy group, and the amide group -C(=O)-NH- formed with an amine
group on the PO or Bio group, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, y is an O-
hydroxylamine residue and z is an ester linkage.
Preferably p, q, and r are 1. If q is 0, then preferably one of p and r is 0.
Preferred polysaccharide or oligosaccharide backbone (PO) structures include
glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin, chondroitin sulphate, dermantan sulphate, poly-
N-acetylactosamine or keratan sulphate, hyaluronic acid, heparin, and heparin precursors
including N-acetylheparosan and heparan sulphate; chitin, chitosan, starch and starch or
glycogen fractions. A preferred backbone structure is a cyclodextrin. Useful starch
fractions includes amylose and amylopectin fractions.
The invention is specifically directed to use of water soluble forms of the backbone
structures such as very low molecular weight chitosan polysaccharide mixture or chitosan
oligomer fraction containing hexamer and lerger chitosan oligosaccharides, called here
chitomer.
Preferred spacer structure includes ones described for bydrophilic linker above,
aminooxyacetic acid. According to an embodiment of the invention the spacer group, when
present, is preferably selected from a straight or branched alkylene group with 1 to 10,
preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a straight or branched alkenylene or alkynylene group
with 2 to 10, or 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Preferably such group is a methylene or ethylene
group. In the spacer group one or more of the chain members can be replaced by -NH-, -
O-, -S-, -S-S-, =N-O-, an amide group -C(O)-NH- or -NH-C(O)-, an ester group -C(O)O-
or -O-C(O)-, or -CHR2, where R2 is an alkyl or alkoxy group of 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 3
carbon atoms, or -COOH. Preferably a group replacing a chain member is -NH-, -O-, an
amide or an ester group.
The present invention is in a specific embodiment directed to the use of minimal
disaccharide epitopes and partial epitopes described by the invention as soluble polyvalent
conjuGates according to the invention.
Zoonotic Helicobacter species
The present invention is also directed to Helicobacter species causing gastric infections to
human and animal living in close contact with human. The zoonotic species also cause
other diseases as described by the invention. The species of bacteria have varying zoonotic
potential. The bacteria from animals living in close contact with human includes the large
group of enterohepatic Helicobacters from H. pullorum to H. westmaedii and gastric
species from H. suis to H.salomonis, preferably also including bovine species (H. bovis)
and monkey species fig. 1 Dewhurst et al. 2000. The species of bacteria form homologous
groups known to zoonotically infect human. This grouping does not include H. mustelae
type "wild animal" species, less interesting as therapy targets. These Helicobacters form
homologous groups known to containg zoonotic activities. Moreover the present invention
describes the carbohydrate binding activities allowing the bacteria to spread. The species
are different from H. pylori having Lewis b and/ more pronounced sialic acid based
infection mechanisms. The invention is preferably directed to inhibition to the
Helicobacters known to cause zoonotic infections. The preferred species includes group of
"gastrospirilla" bacteria, zoonotic cat and dog pathogens H.felis- H. bizzezeronii- and H.
salomonis, which are same or very similar to a group of human infecting bacteria named in
human H. heilmannii and another type of H.heilmannii resembles closely candidatus H.
suis, a pig Helicobacter. Yet another zoonotic group includes species characterized as
Flexipira rappini isolated from aborted lambs, dog and human faeces and pig
intestineGroup of helicobacters called H. rappini has been also known to infect human,
with similarity to H. bilis and H. trogantum. Especially zoonotic species include also H.
canis and H. pullorum (from poultry to human) (On 2001) and H. fenellilae, H. cinaedi, H.
canadiens, H winghamensis and H westmaedi (Fox 2002).
Zoonotic enteric infections causine diarrhea and other enteric diseases
The present invention invention is also directed to treatment and/or prevention of diarrheas
caused by zoonotic Helicobacter species. In a preferred embodiment one or several of the
carbohydrates are used for acute or preventive treatment of infections in animals living in
close contact with humans. The invention is specifically directed to treatments of pet
animals infectable with zoonotically spreading Helicobacter species. Such infected pets
have reported to infect human beings and cause diseases including diarrheas. In a specific
embodiment the treatment is given to the human or animal that is suffering of weakened
immune protection or immunodeficiency.
Zoonotic Helicobacter infections causing hepatobiliarv disease
The present invention is also directed to the treatment and/or prevention of hepatobiliary
infection caused by zoonotic Helicobacter species. In a preferred embodiment one or
several of the carbohydrates are used for acute or preventive treatments of infections in
animals living in close contact with humans. The invention is specifically directed to the
treatment of pet animals infectable with zoonotically spreading Helicobacter species. Such
infected pets have been reported to infect human beings and cause diseases including
hepatobiliary diseases. In a specific embodiment the treatment is given to the human or
animal that is suffering of weakened immune protection or immunodeficiency.
Zoonotic Helicobacter infections causing gastric or hepatic disease
The present invention is also directed to the treatment and/or prevention of gastric
infections and diseases caused by zoonotic Helicobacter species. In a preferred
embodiment one or several of the carbohydrates are used for acute or preventive treatments
of infections in animals living in close contact with humans. The invention is specifically
directed to the treatment of pet animals infectable with zoonotically spreading
Helicobacter species. Such infected pets have been reported to infect human beings and
cause diseases including gastric infections. In a specific embodiment the treatment is given
to the human or animal that is suffering of weakened immune protection or
immunodeficiency.
Enterohepatic Helicobacteria
The invention is primarily targeted to common binding specificity shared with
enterohepatic non-H.pylori Helicobacter species. These species includes H. canis, H. bills
and H. hepaticus. The similar galactose based binding specificity profile towards human
and animal glyconjuGates is also observable with H. fenelliae, H. rappini and H .pullorum.
In general the ecologic niches in enterohepatic system allows an effective use of limited
amount of receptor carbohydrates. The present invention identifies the major receptor
carbohydrates useful for binding enterohepatic system of human and animals. In a specific
embodiment the galactose binding specificity is further applicable for inhibition and
binding assays with other enterohepatic Helicobacter species having the same infectivity
profile in enterohepatic system of human and animals.
Zoonotic Helicobacteria causing gastric infection
The present invention is further directed to treatment of non-H. pylori Helicobacteria
which are primarily infecting animals including preferably pets, preferably cats and dogs,
and which also zoonotically infect human. Examples of zoonotic gastric pathogens
includes H. felis and H. heilmannii. The present invention is not directed to binding
specificities of H, mustellae included only as control which is not known to infect human
or common pet animals such as cats and dogs.
Glycolipid and carbohydrate nomenclature is essentially according to recommendations by
the IUPAC-IUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (Carbohydrate Res. 1998,
312,167; Carbohydrate Res. 1997,297,1; Eur. J. Biochem. 1998,257,29).
It is assumed that Gal, Glc, GlcNAc, and Neu5Ac are of the D-configuration, Fuc of the L-
configuration, and all the monosaccharide units in the pyranose form. Glucosamine is
referred as GlcN or GlcNH2 and galactosamine as GalN or GalNH2. Glycosidic linkages
are shown partly in shorter and partly in longer nomenclature, the linkages of the Neu5 Ac-
residues a3 and a6 mean the same as a2-3 and a2-6, respectively, and with other
monosaccharide residues al-3, ßl-3, ß1-4, and pl-6 can be shortened as ß6, respectively. Lactosamine refers to N-acetyllactosamine, GalpaGlcNAc, and sialic
acid is N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) or N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) or any
other natural sialic acid. The sialic acid are referred together as NeuNX, wherein
preferably X is Ac or Gc. Ocassionally Neu5Ac/Gc/X may be referred as
NeuNAc/NeuNGc/NeuNX. Term glycan means here broadly oligosaccharide or
polysaccharide chains present in human or animal glycoconjuGates, especially on
glycolipids or glycoproteins. In the shorthand nomenclature for fatty acids and bases, the
number before the colon refers to the carbon chain lenght and the number after the colon
gives the total number of double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain. Abbreviation GSL refers
to glycosphingolipid. Abbreviations or short names or symbols of glycosphingolipids are
given in the text and Table 2. Escherichia coli refers also to the bacteria similar to
Escherichia coli.
The expression "terminal oligosaccharide sequence" indicates that the oligosaccharide is
not substituted to the non-reducing end terminal residue by another monosaccharide
residue.
The term na3/ß3" indicates that the adjacent residues in an oligosaccharide sequence can
be either a3- or ß3- linked to each other.
The publications and other materials used herein to illuminate the background of the
invention, and in particular, to provide additional details with respect to its practice, are
incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which in no way are
intended to limit the scope of the invention:
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE I
Experimental procedures
Culture Conditions and Labeling — The E. coli strains were cultured on Luria-agar with
the addition of 10 µl 35S-methionine (400 µCi; Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, U.K.) at 37
°C for 12 h. The bacteria were harvested by scraping, washed three times with phosphate-
buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.3, and thereafter resuspended in PBS (with or without 1%
mannose (w/v)) to lxlO8 CFU/ml. The specific activities of the suspensions were
approximately 1 cpm per 100 bacteria.
Reference Glycosphingolipids — Total acid and non-acid glycosphingolipid fractions were
obtained by standard procedures (1). The individual glycosphingolipids were isolated by
repeated chromatography on silicic acid columns of the native glycosphingolipid fractions,
or acetylated derivatives thereof. The identity of the purified glycosphingolipids was
confirmed by mass spectrometry (2), proton NMR spectroscopy (3), and degradation
studies (4, S).
Preparation of neoglycolipids. Oligosaccharides with terminal GlcNAc were synthethic
oligosaccharides GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAc, GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcß3GalpaGlc and
GlcNAcß3GalpaGlcNAcp6GlcNAc from Carbion Oy, Finland, and mannose
oligosaccharide was from Dextralabs, UK were reductively aminated with 4-
hexadecylaniline (abbreviation HDA, from Aldrich, Stockholm, Sweden) by
cyanoborohydride (Halina Miller-Podraza, to be published later). The products were
characterized by mass spectrometry and were confirmed to be reductively aminated
conjuGated of the oligosacharides and HDA.
Thin-Layer Chromatography — Thin-layer chromatography of glycosphingolipids was
performed on glass- or aluminum-backed silica gel 60 HPTLC plates (Merck, Darmstadt,
Germany), using chloroform/methanol/water 60:35:8 (by volume) as solvent system.
Chemical detection was done with anisaldehyde (6).
Glycosphingolipid Binding Assays — Binding of 35S-labeled bacteria to
glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatograms was done as reported (7). Dried
chromatograms were dipped for 1 min in diethylether/n-hexane (1:5, by volume)
containing 0.5% (w/v) polyisobutyhnethacrylate (Aldrich Chem. Comp. Inc., Milwaukee,
WI). After drying, the chromatograms were soaked in PBS containing 2% bovine serum
albumin (w/v), 0.1% NaN3 (w/v) and 0.1% Tween 20 (by volume) for 2 h at room
temperature. The chromatograms were subsequentely covered with radiolabeled bacteria
diluted in PBS (2-5 x 106 cpm/ml). Incubation was done for 2 h at room temperature,
followed by repeated washings with PBS. The chromatograms were thereafter
autoradiographed using XAR-5 X-ray films (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY) for 12 h.
Autoradiograms were replicated using a CCD camera (Dage-MTI, Inc., Michigan City, In)
, and analysis of the images was performed using the public domain NIH Image program
(developed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and available at
http^/rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/).
Inhibition with Soluble Oligosaccharides — As a test for possible inhibition of binding by
soluble suGars 35S-labeled E. coli strains were incubated for 1 h at room temperature with
approximately 1.5 mM of globotriaose, globotetraose, lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-
neotetraose, 3"-sialyllactose and 6"-sialyllactose in PBS. The final concentrations of the
inhibiting oligosaccharides on the TLC-plate were 0.3 mM. Lactose was tested at final
concentrations from 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml. Thereafter the chromatogram binding assay was
performed as described above.
Analysis of gfycosylationfrom human gastrointestinal system — Human mucosa samples
were obtained from surgical operations. They represented epithelial tissues of the larynx
and the gastrointestinal tract, namely stomach and colon.
Reducing oligosaccharides were isolated by non-reductive P-elimination. After
purification, they represented all kinds of cellular glycans mainly from proteins.
MALDI-TOF MS was performed with a Voyager-DE STR BioSpectrometry Workstation,
essentially as in (Saarinen et al., 1999; papac et al., 1996; Harvey, 1993). Neutral
oligosaccharides were analysed with 2,5-dihydrobenzoic acid matrix in positive ion
reflector mode, and acidic oligosaccharides were analysed with 2",4",6"-
trihydroxyacetophenone matrix in negative ion linear mode.
All exoglycosidase reactions were performed essentially as described previously (Nyman
et al., 1996; Saarinen et al., 1999) and analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. The enzymes and
their specific control reactions with characterised oligosaccharides were: p-N-
acetylglucosaminidase (Streptococcus pneumoniae, recombinant, E. colt, Calbiochem,
USA) digested GlcNAcß1-6Gal-R in ß14-galactosidase treated lacto-N-hexaose but not
GalNAcpl-4GlcNAcß1-3/6Gal-R in a synthetic oligosaccharide; Arthrobacter ureafaciens
sialidase (recombinant, E. coli; Glyko, UK) digested bothNeu5Aca2-3Galß1-4GlcNAc-R
and Neu5Aca2-6Galß1-4GlcNAc-R in synthetic oligosaccharides; a2,3-sialidase
(Streptococcus pneumoniae, recombinant, E. coli; Glyko, UK) digested Neu5Acct2-
3Galß1-4GlcNAc-R but not Neu5Aca2-6Galß1-4GlcNAc-R in synthetic oligosaccharides;
al,2-rucosidase (Xanthomonas manihotis; Glyko, UK) digested Fucal-2Galpl-3GlcNAc-
R in monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose I but not Galß1-4(Fucal-3)GlcNAc in lacto-N-
fiicopentaose III; al,3/4-fueosidase (Xanthomonas sp.; Calbiochem, USA) digested Galß1-
4(Fucal-3)GlcNAc-R in lacto-N-fucopentaose III but not Fucal-2Galpl-3GlcNAc-R in
monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose I; ß14-galactosidase (Streptococcuspneumoniae,
recombinant, E. coli; Calbiochem, USA) digested Galß1-4GlcNAc-R but not Galß1-
3GlcNAc-R in lacto-N-hexaose; ß13-galactosidase (recombinant, E. coli; Calbiochem,
USA) digested Galß1-3GlcNAc-R but not Galß1-4GlcNAc-R in lacto-N-hexaose; a-
mannosidase (Jack bean; Glyko, UK) transformed a mixture of high-mannose N-glycans to
the ManiGlcNAc2 N-glycan core trisaccharide. Control digestions were performed in
parallel and analysed similarly to the analytical exoglycosidase reactions.
Results
Screening for Carbohydrate Binding Activity ofDiarrheagenic E. coli
Using Mixtures of Glycosphingolipids — During the initial studies the potential
carbohydrate recognition of a number of diarrheagenic E. coli strains (summarized in Table
1) was evaluated using well characterized mixtures of glycosphingolipids in the
chromatogram binding assay, in order to expose the bacteria to a large number of variant
carbohydrate sequences. Thereby, a selective binding to some glycosphingolipids was
detected, while other compounds were not recognized by the bacteria. The binding patterns
obtained varied between the strains as exemplified in Fig. 1.
Binding of CCuG Type Strains to Pure Glycosphingolipids — To further define the
binding characteristics, two type strains (CCuG 38068 and 38077) were selected for
binding assays using pure glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatograms, as exemplified
in Fig. 2. The results are summarized in Table 2. Thus, both strains bound to
lactosylceramide. The binding to lactosylceramide was only obtained when this
glycosphingolipid had a ceramide with sphingosine or phytosphingosine and hydroxy fatty
acids (No.5 in Table 2), whereas lactosylceramide with sphingosine and non-hydroxy fatty
acids (No. 4) was consistently non-binding.
Further glycosphingolipids recognized by both bacteria were galabiaosylceramide (No. 6),
isoglobotriaosylceramide (No. 7), globotriaosylceramide (No. 8), gangliotriaosylceramide
(No. 10), gangliotetraosylceramide (No. 11), globotetraosylceramide (No. 12), Forssman
glycosphingolipid (No. 14), neolactotetraosylceramide (No.IS), lactotetraosylceramide
(No. 23), neolactohexaosylceramide (No. 22) and NeuGca3-neolactohexaosylceramide
(No. 36). The binding to these glycosphingolipids was not dependent on ceramide
structure.
The strain CCuG 38077, but not strain CCuG 38068, also bound to a number of
gangliosides (Nos. 28,29,31-36; exemplified in Fig. 2). Binding-active gangliosides had
both JV-acetyl- and JV-glycolyl neuraminic acid, and the neuraminic acid could be both a.3-
linked and a6-linked. However, all gangliosides were not recognized, e.g. no binding to the
GDla ganglioside (No. 30) was obtained.
The strain CCuG 38068 on the other hand bound to the Lea-5 glycosphingolipid (No. 24),
which was not recognized by strain CCuG 38077.
The two strains of E. coli were also shown to bind to Mana3(Mana6)Man on thin-layer
chromatograms. The saccharide was tested after coupling with a lipid tail throuGh reductive
amination. Further experiments with double branched mannose-containing neoglycolipids
indicated that the binding was dependent on the presentation of the saccharide.
Neoglycolipids with terminal GlcNAcß3LacNAc were also recognized by the two CCuG
strains.
Example of neoglycolipid binding experiment
The isomeric pentasaccharides were produced by specific ß3-galactosidase (Calbiochem,
La Jolla, CA) and ß4-galactosidase (from D.pneumonia, Sigma, ST Louis, MO) digestions
digestion from commercial hexasaccharides ß4ra-lacto-N-hexaose (from Dextra
laboratories, Reding, UK) and from Lacto-N-hexaose (Isosep, Tullinge, Sweden) to obtain
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and Galß3GlcNAcß3(GlcNAcp6)Galß4Glc.
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6Galß4Glc was produced from GlcNAcp6Galß4Glc (Sigma St
Louis, MO) by first ß4-galactosyltransferase (Calbiochem, La Jolla, CA) reaction using
UDP-Gal (Kyowa Hakko, Jaß4n) as donor and then by ß3-GlcNAc-transferase (human
serum) and UDP-GlcNAc (Kyowa Hakko, Jaß4n). The oligosaccharides were purified
using gel filtration chromatography and characterized by NMR-spectroscopy and mass
spectrometry. The pentasaccharides and Man with 4-hexadecylaniline (abbreviation HDA, from Aldrich, Stockholm, Sweden) by
cyanoborohydride (Halina Miller-Podraza, to be published later). The products were
characterized by mass spectrometry were confirmed to be the corresponding
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc(red)-HDA,Galß3GlcNAcß3(GlcNAcP6)Galß4Glc
(red)-HDA, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcp6Galß4Glc(red)-HDA, and
Mana3(Mana6)Man(red)-HDA [where "(red)-" means the amine linkage structure
formed by reductive amination from the reducing end glucoses of the saccharides and
amine group of the hexadecylaniline (HDA)]. The compound
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc(red)-HDA and Mana3(Mana6)Man(red)-HDA had
binding activity with regard to two strains of diarrheagenic E.coli (CCuG 38068 and
38077) in TLC overlay assay described above while the pentasaccharides
Galß3GlcNAcß3(GlcNAcp6)Galß4Glc(red)-HDA,
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcP6Galß4Glc(red)-HDA had much weaker or non-existent binding
activities. The results indicated that GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc-type
neolactostructures bind effectively to diarrheagenic E. coli. The binding is reduced much if
the GlcNAcß3 is changed to GlcNAcp6- in the structure. The results also demonstrated
similarity that blocking the middle galactose in lacto tetraose structure by a GlcNAc branch
Galß3GlcNAcß3(GlcNAcp6)Galß4Glc diminished the binding on a TLC-overlay assay.
Binding specificities in different types of diarrheagenic E. coli
Screening for binding specificities in different types of diarrheagenic E. coli, i.e.
enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteropathogenic (EPEC), enteroaggregative (EAGG),
enteroinvasive (EIEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) showed that the majority of the
described binding specificities were found in most strains (data about typical/type strains
are summarized in Table 4. Thus binding to lactosylceramide, lacto- and neolacto was
obtained with all strains tested, and globobinding was obtained by all strains with the
exception of wild type EHEC strains. In this collection mainly the type strains, sialic acid
binding was obtained with one enteroaggregative strain. However, several wild type
diarrheagenic E. coli strains bind to sialic acid (see e.g. Fig 6 and Fig 3). The absence of
binding of EHEC to globoseries glycosphingolipids and to gangliosides is illustrated in
Fig. 7(lane 1, and lanes 3,5,6,8, and 9 respectively. The binding obtained in lane 7 is
related to lactosylceramide binding.
Preferential recognition ofNeuGc-neolactotetraosylceramide
To dissect the sialic acid binding preferences of diarrheagenic E. coli, the binding of
bacteria to variants of sialyl-neoleactotetraosylceramide was comß4red. The bacteria bound
with highest affinity to NeuGca3-neolactotetraosylceramide
(NeuGca3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcpCer), followed by NeuAca6-
neolactotetraosylceramide(NeuAca6Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcpCer),
and finally NeuAca3-neolactotetraosylceramide
(NeuAca3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcpCer). The comß4rison was
performed by using dilution series of glycolipids and comß4ring the disappearance of the
bindings when the amounts of glycolipids were reduced. Taken together the results indicate
that even higher binding can be obtained with a6-Hnked NeuGc.
Based on binding ß4tterns and carbohydrate structures the binding-activities were
classified into eight seß4rate binding specificities:
a) Lactosylceramide-binding: represented by lactosylceramide (No. 5) and
isoglobotriaosylceramide (No. 7).
b) Ganglio-binding: represented by gangliotriaosylceramide (No. 10) and
gangliotetraosylceramide (No. 11).
c) Gala4Gal-binding: represented by galabiaosylceramide (No. 6),
globotriaosylceramide (No. 8), globotetraosylceraraide (No. 12) and the Forssman
glycosphingolipid (No. 14).
d) Lacto-binding; represented by lactotetraosylceramide (No. 23).
e) Neolacto-binding: represented by neolactotetraosylceramide (No. 15),
neolactohexaosylceramide (No. 22) andNeuGca3-neolactohexaosylceramide (No.
36).
f) Binding to fucosylated glycosphingolipids: represented by the Lea-5
glycosphingolipid (No. 24).
g) NeuAc/NeuGc-X: represented by the gangliosides Nos. 28,29,31-36.
h) Mannose-X: represented by the Mana3(Mana6)Man-neoglycolipid.
Each wild type strain (Table 1) exhibited two or more of the binding specificities listed
above, and the combination of binding specificities varied among the strains. Most strains
had even three or more binding specificities. Four and more binding specificities were
observed often and most strains may probably have caß4city to express all or almost all of
the specificities, thouGh the specificities may necessarily not be active all the time. The
need of use two or more oligosaccharide sequences at the same time is emphasized by the
fact that the expression of the bindings varies between the strains.
Inhibition Experiments —
Inhibition by a mixture of globotetraose and 3"sialylactose
The ability of soluble oligosaccharides to interfere with the binding of diarrheagenic E. coli
to glycosphingolipids on thin-layer plates was examined by incubating the bacteria with a
mixture of globotetraose and 3"sialyllactose before binding on chromatograms. The results are
shown in Fig. 3. Thus, by incubation of the bacteria with a mixture of oligosaccharides an
inhibition of the binding to both globotetraosylceramide and 3"sialyl-paragloboside was
obtained. Inhibition of binding to globotriaosylceramide was also obtained by preincubatiing
the bacteria with l.S mM globotriaose, with final concentration of 0.3 mM.
Inhibition by a mixture ofglobotriose, lacto-N-neotetraose and 6"sialylactose
The ability of soluble oligosaccharides to interfere with the binding of diarrheagenic E. coli
to glycosphingolipids on thin-layer plates was further examined by incubating the bacteria
with a mixture of globotetraose and 3"sialyllactose before binding on chromatograms. The
results are shown in Fig. 6. Thus, by incubation of the bacteria with a mixture of
oligosaccharides a simultaneous inhibition of the binding to globotriasylceramide,
NeuNGca3neolactohexaosylceramide (carrying a midchain neolactoepitope) and
NeuGca3neolactotetraosylceramide was obtained. The data showed simultaneous inhibitions
aGalnst two epitopes present on the same molecule. A further observation was that binding to
NeuGca3neolactotetraosylceramide is inhibited by 6"sialyllactose, demonstrating that the a3-
linked and a6-linked sialic acid is bound by the same bacterial adhesin.
Other results from the inhibition studies. In control experiments the monovalent free
oligosaccharides described above specifically inhibited the binding to the glycolipids
comtaining the same receptor structure but not to other glycolipids. The globoserias
oligosaccharides inhibited binding to globo-receptor, Lacto-N-neotetraose inhibited binding to
neolacto glycolipid and the sialylalctoses inhibited binding to the sialyl-receptor glycolipids
as described above at 0.3 mM final concentration, but no cross-reactivity was observed.
Lacto-N-tetraose was also able to inhibit the binding of diarrheagenic E. coli to
lactotetraosylceramide when lowest densities of glycolipids were used in inhibition
experiments as described above. As a control lactose was tested with final concentrations to 1-
2 mg/ml (3-6 mM) with no inhibiting activity. Interestingly the disaccharide terminal
ganglioside epitope Galß3GalNAc was also not active as monovalent inhibitor at 0.3 mM
concentration aGalnst the Ganlio-receptor glycolipid, indicating the the disaccharide sequence
may be more useful when conjuGated to a polyvalent carrier than a monovalent inhibitor.
The inhibition experiments show that the frequent binding specificities according to the
invention are
1. separate
2. inhibitable by relatively low concentrations of monovalent oligosaccharides and
3. inhibitable simultaneously with no harmful effects due to presence of several
oligosaccharides,
Selective switch-off of binding specificities
During these studies we have observed that upon prolonged sub-culture of diarrheagenic E.
coli one or several of the binding specificities may be selectively lost. This is exemplified in
Fig. 8 demonstrating a loss of binding to isoglobotriaosylceramide (lane 4), while the binding
to gangliotetrasoylceramide (lane S) and globotetraosylceramide (lane 6) remain suGgesting a
down-regulation of the isoglobotetraosylceramide/lactosylceramide binding adhesin. The
isoglobosylceramide contains activating a hydroxylfatty acid, giving it activity of the
lactosylceramide family. However, no specific ß4ttern in this switch-off could be discerned,
i.e. different binding specificities were lost at different times. The inventors noticed quite
random loss of any of the binding specificities. As the any of the binding specificities may be
lost the use of at least two binding monovalent or polyvalent inhibitors according to the
inventio is preferred.
The frequent binding specificities
Numerous TCL-overalys were run with the large collection of different types of diarrhea
causing E. coli strains. Four binding specificities were found out to be especially frequently
occurring amont the bacteria: binding to Globo-receptor, Sialic acid-receptors, Neolacto-
receptors, and Lacto-receptors. The Globo- receptor binding was especially stabile aGalnst the
spontaneous "switch-off".
Analysis of protein glycosylationfrom human gastrointestinal system — The occurrence
of some terminal glycan epitopes in the samples is exemplified below. In all these
analyses, the detection level is of the order of 5 % of the relative abundances of the most
abundant components.
Galßl-4GlcNAcß-R. Terminal type II N-acetyllactosaminyl groups, as evidenced by
susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae ß14-galactosidase digestion, were detected in
all the analysed tissues, namely larynx, stomach, and colon. For example, a peak at m/z
1809.73 in the positive ion reflector mode mass spectrum of the colon sample,
corresponding to the ion structure [HexsHexNAc4Fuc+Na]+, calc. m/z = 1809.64, was
eliminated by (31,4-galactosidase treatment and transformed into m/z 1485.68,
corresponding to the ion structure [Hex3HexNAc4Fuc+Na]+, calc. m/z = 1485.53.
Galßl,3-R. Terminal ßl,3-galactosidase susceptible galactose residues were detected only
in colon epithelium, but not in larynx or stomach epithelium. A clear increase in the
intensity of a peak at m/z 933.37 in the positive ion reflector mode mass spectrum,
corresponding to the ion structure [Hex3HexNAc2+Na]+, calc. m/z = 933.32, was generated
in a ß14-galactosidase pretreated sample by the action of ß13-galactosidase. Also, the
intensity of a peak at m/z 1996.84, corresponding to the ion structure
[Hex4HexNAc5Fuc2+Na]", calc. m/z = 1996.72, was clearly increased in a ß14-
galactosidase pretreated sample by the action of ß13-galactosidase. This indicates that
there are ßl,3-galactosylated derivatives of these structures.
Fucal,2-R. Possible terminal al,2-fucosyl residues were detected in the stomach
epithelium sample, but not in larynx or colon epithelium. Upon al,2-fucosidase digestion
of the stomach sample, in the positive ion reflector mode mass spectrum there was
increases in the intensities of peaks at m/z 755.24, corresponding to the ion structure
[HexHexNAc2Fuc+Na]+ (calc. m/z 755.27), and m/z 917.29, corresponding to the ion
structure [Hex2HexNAc2Fuc+Na]+ (calc. m/z 917.32), suGgesting the presence of
fucosylated derivatives of these structures.
Fucal,3-R andFucal,4-R. Possible terminal Lewisa or Lewis" blood group determinants
were detected in the larynx and colon epithelium, but not in the stomach sample. For
example, a clear increase in the intensity of a peak at m/z 2012.81 in the positive ion
reflector mode mass spectrum of the colon sample, corresponding to the ion structure
[Hex5HexNAc5Fuc+Na]+, calc. m/z - 2012.72, was generated in a al,2-fucosidase
pretreated sample by the action of ol,3/4-fucosidase, showing the presence of fucosylated
derivatives of this structure.
Mana-R. Terminal a-mannosyl residues were detected in all samples, as a-mannosidase
digestion affected a varying series of peaks in the positive ion reflector mode mass spectra,
namely at calculated m/z 771.26 [Hex2HexNAc2+Na]+, m/z 933.32 [Hex3HexNAc2+Na]+,
m/z 1095.37 [Hex4HexNAc2+Na]+, m/z 1257.42 [Hex5HexNAc2+Na]+, m/z 1419.48
[Hex,iHexNAc2+Na]+, m/z 1581.53 [Hex7HexNAc2+Na]+, m/z 1743.58
[HexgHexNAc2+Na]+, and m/z 1905.63 [Hex9HexNAc2+Na]+. After a-mannosidase
digestion, these signals were converted to a single peak at calculated m/z 609.21
[HexiHexNAc2+Na]+, indicating that the digested structures were high-mannose N-
glycans.
NeuAca2,3-R. Terminal sialic acids with a2,3-linkages to Gal (Toivonen et al., 2002) were
detected in the samples. For example, upon a2,3-sialidase digestion of stomach glycans, a
decrease was observed in the relative intensity of a peak at m/z 2369.4, corresponding to
the ion structure [NeuAc2Hex5HexNAc4Fuc-H]", calc. m/z = 2369.1.
NeuAca2,6/8/9-R. Terminal sialic acids with linkages other than a2,3 to Gal, or sialic
acids a2,3-linked to GalNAc (Toivonen et al., 2002), were detected in the samples. For
example, Arthrobacter ureafaciens sialidase digestion of a2,3-sialidase treated stomach
glycans completely digested peaks at m/z 1931.6 [NeuAc1Hex5HexNAc4-H]" (calc. m/z =
1931.7), m/z 2077.9 [NeuAc,Hex5HexNAc4Fuc-H]" (calc. m/z = 2077.9), m/z 2223.3
[NeuAc2Hex5HexNAc4-H]" (calc. m/z = 2223.0), m/z 2369.4 [NeuAc2Hex5HexNAc4Fuc-
H]" (calc. m/z = 2369.1), m/z 2735.1 [NeuAc2Hex6HexNAc5Fuc-H]" (calc. m/z = 2734.5),
and m/z 3026.5 [NeuAc3Hex6HexNAc5Fuc-H]- (calc. m/z = 3025.7). Due to their large
size and typical monosaccharide composition, these glycans would most likely be N-
glycans, but potentially also O-glycans. However, smaller glycans that were also affected
by A. ureafaciens sialidase, namely at m/z 1038.7 [NeuAcHex2HexNAc2-H]* (calc. m/z =
1038.9), and m/z 1185.4 [NeuAcHex2HexNAc2Fuc-H]" (calc. m/z = 1185.1), would most
likely be O-glycans. It must be noted that in all structures in this ß4ragraph with a single
sialic acid residue, the linkage must be a2,6 (or a2,3 to GalNAc).
EXAMPLE II
Gastric species examined in the present study included, Helicobacter mustelae ferret
isolates from the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) and the Culture Collection
of the University of Gothenberg (CCuG), NCTC 12198/CCuG 25175 (equivalent strains
from different sources tested), CCuG 23950 and CCuG 23951, Helicobacterfelis CCuG
28539 from a cat, in addition, H. pylori strains CCuG 17874, CCuG 17875 and a clinical
isolate 119/95 were used. Enteroheß4tic helicobacters of animal origin were purchased
from the CCuG including, Helicobacter canis CCuG 33835, Helicobacter bilis CCuG
38995, Helicobacter heß4ticus CCuG 33637, and Helicobacterfennelliae (CCuG 18820).
Glvcolipid binding assays
Binding of"Helicobacter spp. to glycosphingolipids, both acid and non-acid fractions.
Glycosphingolipids were isolated by standard procedures (Karlsson, 1987). The identity of
the purified glycosphingolipids was confirmed by mass spectrometry (Samuelsson et ah,
1990), proton NMR spectroscopy (Koemer et ai, 1983) and degradation studies (Stellner
et al., 1973; Yang and Hakomori, 1971).
Mixtures of glycosphingolipids (40 uG/lane) or pure compounds (2 uG/lane) were
subsequently seß4rated using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on glass- or aluminum-backed
silica gel 60 HPTLC plates (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), with chlcroform/methanol/water
(60:35:8, by volume) as solvent system. Chemical detection was accomplished by
anisaldehyde (Waldi, 1962). Helicobacter spp. were subjected to 35S-labeling (Angstrom et
al., 1998) and suspended in PBS (10 CFU/ml) with a specific activity of approximately 1
cpm per 100 organisms. Binding of the labeled-bacteria to glycosphingolipids separated by
TLC was achieved using a bacterial-overlay technique coupled with autoradiography
detection using XAR-5 x-ray films (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY) as previously described
(Hanssonefa/., 1985).
The carbohydrate binding specificities ofzHelicobacter species
It has been established previously that both H. pylori and H. mustelae bind
gangliotetraosylceramide binding was demonstrated for H. felis, H. canis and//, hepaticus
and H. bilis (Table 3). Furthermore, in common with H. pylori we found that both gastric
and enteroheß4tic Helicobacter spp. tested were caß4ble of binding to
lactotetraosylceramide, lactosylceramide with phytosphingosine and/or hydroxy fatty acids
and isoglobotriaosylceramide. In contrast, binding to Leb glycosphingolipid was only
observed for H. pylori CCuG 17875 (Table 3).
The binding of certain H. pylori strains to slow-migrating gangliosides in the acid
glycosphingolipid fraction of human granulocytes is sialic acid-dependent (Miller-Podraza
et al., 1999), and this fraction was therefore used as an indicator of sialic acid-recognition.
Binding to this fraction was noted for H. heß4ticus CCuG 33637 (exemplified in Fig. 4B.
lane 1) and H. pylon CCuG 17874 and occasionally for H. mustelae CCuG 25715 (Table
3). Sialic acid binding caß4city assayed by other substances is also present at least in
species of H, bilis.
The ability of predominantly gastric and enteroheß4tic species of Helicobacter to
glycosphingolipids is indicative of the use of host-carbohydrate binding by these species in
their adhesion strategies.
The binding specificities of different helicobacteria may be indicative of the ability to
colonize a specific niche with different receptors being expressed in the intestine and
heß4tobillary tree. In addition, different strategies may be useful at different times during
infection due to changes in antigen expression by inflamed tissue (Mahdavi et al. 2002).
From the present study it is apß4rent that strains of heß4tobillary helicobacters namely H.
heß4ticus and H. bilis share common adhesion strategies with H. pylori. These types of
heß4tobiliary ß4thogens have ability to bind various glycoconjuGates and even some
sialylated structures.
EXAMPLE III
Production of soluble polyvalent conjuGates of the oligosaccharide sequences according to
the invention
Amidation of chitosan oligosaccharides
For the preß4ration of aminooxy functionalized chitosan, the 19-mer chitosan preß4red as
above was amidated with BOC-aminooxyacetic acid. A sample the chitosan was dissolved
in 75% aqueous pyridine, and 5-fold molar excess (per chitosan amino groups) of BOC-
aminooxyacetic acid, HBTU and diisopropylethylamine were added. The reaction was
allowed to proceed for 42 h at room temperature in the dark, and then dried by rotary
evaporation. Small molecular weight reagents were removed by dialysis, and the chitosan
was subjected to proton NMR analysis. The analysis shows that on average 4.5 BOC-
aminooxyacetyl groups were present on the chitosan chain.
ConjuGation of biorecopiition carbohydrates with the aminooxv-chitomer
Removal of the protecting groups by incubation with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The Boc-
O-hydroxylamine modified chitomers were solubilized in TFA and incubated at room
temperature for about 10 minutes. The TFA was removed by evaporation in vacuum.
Various aldehyde containing molecules were reacted with the O-hydroxylamine terminals
in 0.2 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.0, for 42 h at 37 °C. The reaction products were
purified by dialysing aGalnst water of by gel filtration chromatography.
The reaction product between O-hydroxylamine chitomer and lactose was characterized by
NMR-spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed presence of both p-anomeric glycosidic
structure, Glc HI signal at 4.136 ppm, and an oxime form with double bond with Glc H1
and H2 signals at 7.690 ppm and 4.626 ppm, respectively (Fig 3, A and B, respectively).
The signals at 4.560 ppm and 4.512 ppm were assigned to H1, and signal at 3.054 ppm to
H2 protons of backbone GlcN. The signal at 4.479 ppm corresponds to H1 signal of Gal
of lactose residue. The signal at 4.163 ppm and signal at 4.449 ppm correspond to CH2-
protons of the ring closed glycosidic form and the double bonded form, respectively, in the
sß4cer formed from aminooxyacetic acid. Almost identical data is obtained when Lacto-
N-neotetraose is coupled to the polymeric carrier, additionally signals for the terminal N-
acetyllactosamine could be analysed.
Table 1. Bacterial Strains of Diarrheagenic E. coli tested for binding to glycolipids
separated on TLC plates.
Two of the type strains, CCuG 38068 and CCuG 38077, were analysed in more detail
aGalnst a long list of natural glycolipids, see seß4rate Table. The various other strains
tested carry similar binding specificities as for the two type strains of this Table but with a
variation in binding ß4tterns for individual strains, similar to the variation between the two
type strains tested in detail.
CCuG 17649 ETEC
CCuG 17650 ETEC
CCuG 38068 EPEC
CCuG 38077 EAEC
CCuG 38083 EAEC
CCuG 38092 EEC
CCuG 38094 EffiC
12 EAEC strains
9 EHEC strains
14 diarrheagenic E. coli clinical isolates
The abbreviations are from Nataro and Kaper, Clin. Microbiol. Rev.l 1 (1998) 142, and mean:
ETEC enterotoxigenic, EPEC enteroß4thogenic, EAEC enteroaggregative, EIEC
enteroinvasive, EHEC enterohemorrhagic E. coli
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WE CLAIM:
• A therapeutical composition comprising ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharides
containing purified fraction(s) of at least two ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequences
selected from the ß4thogen receptors
as defined in the formula (I)
[Sacchl]mlGalpx(Fuca4)m2Glc[NAc]ra3[ß3Gal{ß4Glc(NAc)n,}n2]n3[pR2]n4(I)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is GlcNAcß3, Gala3, GalNAcß4, Gala4,
or Neu5Xa3/6, wherein X is independently either Ac or Gc;
nl, n2, n3, n4, ml, m2, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3 and ml is 0 and m3 is 1;
m3 may be 0 only when Sacchl is Neu5Xa3, Gala3, GalNAcß4 or Galot4;
when n4 is 1, then m3 is 0 and n3 is 0, and
when n4 is 0, then ml is 1 or m2 is 1 or n3 is 1;
R2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid and
Sacchl is Gala3 or GalNAcß4 with the provision that when at least two receptors are
used these have at least one different variable selected from the group consisting of
Sacchl, x, m2, and n4 with the provision that two sialic acid receptors or two neolacto
receptors cannot be selected;
and with the provision that when the composition contains only one receptor according
to formula (I) then it is together with at least one alpha-hexose receptor as defined in
the formula (II)
Hexap[(Hexar)]nHex
(II)
wherein Hex is Gal or Man, n is independently 0 or 1, p and r are linkage position 3 or
6 between Man residues, with the provision that when Hex is Man, then p is 3 and then
r is 6, and when p is 6, then r is 3, and when Hex is Gal, then p is 4 and n is 0, with the
provision that when Hex is Gal it is not with Gala4Gal-receptor according to the
formula I;
for use as a medicament.
2. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the terminal
activating sequence is Gala4, the composition may comprise the ß4rtial epitope Gala4Gal and
optionally a Mannose receptor comprising the oligosaccharide sequence
Mana3[(Man a6)]nMan,
wherein n is 0 or 1.
3. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 1 containing purified fraction(s)
of at least two compounds being or containing a pathogen inhibiting oligosaccharide sequence
selected from the pathogen receptors as defined by the formula (Ib)
[Al]m3Galß4Glc[ß42]n4 (Ib)
wherein m3 and n4 are independently integers 0 or 1
wherein the natural type non-reducing end activator sequence Al is selected from the group
consisting of GalNAcß4, Galcc4, Neu5Xa3, Neu5Xa6, GalNAcß3Gala4, Galß3GalNAcß4,
Galß4GlcNAcß3, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß3GlcNAcß3, Neu5Xoc3Galß4GlcNAcß3,
Neu5Xoc6Galß4GlcNAcß3, and Galß3(Fuccc3)GlcNAcß3, wherein X is independently either
Ac or Gc, and A2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide
comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid.
4. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein Al is selected from
the group consisting of Gala4, Neu5Xcc3, Neu5Xcc6, Galß4GlcNAcß3 or Galß3GlcNAcß3.
5. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 1, containing purified fraction
(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaccharide
sequence selected from the ß4thogen receptors as defined by the formula Q L.)
[Sacchl]mI[Galpx(Fuca4)m2GlcNAcß3]m3Galß4Glc[ß42]n4(lc)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Sacchl is GlcNAcß3, Galoc3, GalNAcß4, Galoc4, or
Neu5Xa3/6, wherein X is independently either Ac or Gc;
n4, ml, m2, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provisions that m2 may be 1 only when x is 3,
when Sacchl is GlcNAcß3 then m3 is 1 and x is 4, and
m3 may be 0 only when ml is 1 or when n4 is 1,
when n4 is 0, then ml is 1 or m3 is 1;
A2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid or an analog of a ceramide comprising a
hydroxyl fatty acid, and
with the provision that at least two receptors are selected so that these have at least one
different variable selected from the group Saahl, x, m2, n4, preferably with the provisio that
not two sialic acid receptors are selected.
6. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 1, containing purified fraction
(s) of at least two compounds being or containing a pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide
sequence selected from the pathogen receptors as defined by the formula (Id)
[Saahl ]ml[GalpxGlcNAcß3]m3Galß4Glc (Id)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Saahl is Gala4, Neu5Xa3 or Neu5Xa6, wherein X is
independently either Ac or Gc;
ml, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provision that either ml is 1 or m3 is 1,
with the provision that at least two receptors are selected so that these have at least one
different variable Saahl or x, preferably with the provisio that not two sialic acid receptors
are selected.
7. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the oligosaaharide
sequences are selected from the group consisting of Galoc4Galß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galß4Glc,
NeuNAca6Galß4Glc, NeuNAca3Galß4GlcNAc, NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAc,
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc and Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc.
8. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
sialylated oligosaaharide, preferably a bovine milk fraction comprising sialylated
oligosaaharides, such as NeuNAca3Galß4Glc, NeuNAca6Galß4Glc or
NeuNAca6Galß4GlcNAc, is used together with at least one neutral oligosaaharide,
preferably Gala4Galß4Glc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc (LNnT) or Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
(LNT).
9. A therapeutical composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pathogen
inhibiting oligosaaharides comprise a mixture of two different types of oligosaaarides
selected from the group consisting of globo-oligosaaharides, Neolacto-oligosaaarides, and
sialyl-oligosaaharides, preferably Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, Gala4Galß4Glc, and/or
sialyllactoses.
10. A therapeutical composition containing purified fraction(s) of at least two
compounds aaording to formula (Id)
[Sacchl]ml[GalpxGlcNAcß3]m3Galß4Glc(Id)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, Saahl is Gala4, Neu5Xa3 or Neu5Xa6, wherein X is
independently either Ac or Gc;
ml, and m3 are independently integers 0 or 1,
with the provision that either ml is 1 or m3 is 1,
for the manufacture of a therapeutic composition for treatment of diseases caused in humans
by diarrheagenic ß4thogen selected from the group by EPEC ((enteroß4thogenic Escherichia
coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli),
EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli) or EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli), or
zoonotic E.coli, preferably non-toxic secreting diarrheagenic E. coli.
11. A therapeutical composition comprising a purified fraction(s) of at least two
compounds being or containing a ß4thogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from
at least two of the following groups of ß4thogen receptors:
a) lactosylceramide receptors as defined in the formula (x)
R!xGalß4GlcßR2
(X)
wherein x is linkage position 3 or 4, R2 is a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid
or an analog of a ceramide comprising a hydroxyl fatty acid, and R1 is Gala, Galp,
GalNAcp, GlcNAcP or a longer oligosaaharide comprising Gala, Galp, GalNAcP or
GlcNAcP at the reducing end or Neu5Xa, wherein X is Ac or Gc, with the proviso that
when R1 is GlcNAcp or Neu5Xa then x is 3;
b) ganglio-receptors as defined in the formula (xI)
[Galß3]n,GalNAc[ß4Gal{ß4Glc}n2]n3 (XI)
wherein nl, n2 and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1, with the proviso that either nl
or n3 is 1, and with the proviso that no sialic acids are linked to the oligosaaharide
sequence;
c) Gala4Gal-receptors as defined in the formula (XII)
[GalNAcß3]n1Gala4Gal{ß4Glc(NAc) (XII)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1, and the GalNAc-residue is
optionally further substituted by other monosaaharide residues;
d) lacto-receptors as defined in the formula (XIII)
Gal(33GlcNAc[ß3Gal{{54Glc(NAc)n1}n2]n3 (XIII)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1;
e) neolacto-receptors as defined in the formula (XIV)
[GlcNAcß3]nlGal(34GlcNAc[ß3Gal{(34Glc(NAc) n2}n3]n4 (XIV)
wherein nl, n2, n3 and n4 are independently integers 0 or 1, when nl is 1, the non-
reducing terminal GlcNAc can be further substituted by a monosaaharide residue or
an oligosaaharide;
f) fucosyl-receptors as defined in the formula (XV)
Galß3(Fucot4)GlcNAc[ß3Gal{ß4Glc(NAe) nl}B2]n3 (XV)
wherein nl, n2, and n3 are independently integers 0 or 1;
g) sialic acid-receptors as defined in the formula (XVI)
Neu5XapGalßr[(Fucos)]mGlc(NAc)n2 (XVI)
wherein independently X is either Ac or Gc meaning that the sialic acic is either
Neu5Ac or Neu5Gc, nl and n2 are either 0 or 1, p is linkage position 3 or 6, r and s are
linkage positions 3 or 4 with the proviso that when r is 3 then s is 4 and when r is 4
then s is 3;
h) mannose receptors as defined in the formula £xv?j)
Manap[(Manar)]n1Man
(XVII)
wherein n is independently 0 or 1, p and r are linkage position 3 or 6 between the Man
residues, with the proviso that when p is 3 then r is 6, and when p is 6 then r is 3;
for use as a medicament.
12. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
a) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
lactosylceramide, lactosylceramide comprising hydroxyl fatty acids, lactosylceramide
with modified carbon 3 of a galactose residue and isoglobotriaocylceramide
13. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
b) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
Galß3GalNAcß4Galß4Glc, Galß3GalNAcß4Gal, Galß3GalNAc, GalNAcß4Gal and
GalNAcß4Galß4Glc
14. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
c) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
Gala4Galß4Glc, Gala4Galß4GlcNAc and Gala4Gal
15. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the variable n3 of group d) is
1.
16. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
d) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc and
Galß3GlcNAcß3Galß3GlcNAc
17. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein said monosaaharide residue of
group e) is Galß4, or said oligosaaharide of group d) is GlcNAcß3Galß4, or the variable nl
or n4 of group e) is 1.
18. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
e) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, Galß4GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc,
Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc, GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc, and
GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc
19. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the variable n3 of group f) is 1.
20. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
f) is selected from the group consisting of:
receptor oligosaaharide sequences with Lewis a structure
21. The composition as claimed in claim 20, wherein said oligosaaharides with
Lewis a structure are selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting
of:
Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Gal, Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4GlcNAc or Galß3
(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3Galß4Glc
22. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
g) is selected from the group of receptor oligosaaharide sequences consisting of:
oligosaaharides with Neu5X GlcNAc, Neu5Xa3Galß4(Fuca3)Glc, Neu5Xa3Galß3GlcNAc,
Neu5Xa3Galß4GlcNAc, Neu5Xa3Galß4Glc, Neu5Xa6Galß4GlcNAc or
Neu5Xa6Galß4Glc structures
23. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ß4thogen receptor of group
h) is selected from the group consisting of Mana3(Mana6)Man-conjuGates.
24. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of said compounds
is in monovalent form.
25. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of said compounds
is linked to a polyvalent carrier.
26. The composition as claimed in claim 24, wherein said monovalent form is a
glycosylamine or a glycosylamide or a methyl glycoside or a glycoside including other N-
glycosides, C-glycosides or S-glycosides
27. The composition as claimed in claim 25, wherein said polyvalent carrier is a
carbohydrate carrier or a particle carrier.
28. The composition as claimed in claim 27, wherein said carbohydrate carrier is
soluble.
29. The composition as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein said carbohydrate
carrier is a bacterial polysaaharide or part of bacterial polysaaharide also comprising the
receptor oligosaaharide sequence.
30. The composition as claimed in claim 27, wherein said particle carrier is a
carbohydrate particle, a synthetic polymer particle or a cell.
31. The composition as claimed in claim 27, wherein said carbohydrate carrier is an
antigenic or immunostimulating carbohydrate conjuGate.
32. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-31, wherein pathogen
inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence can cross-link the pathogens to immune cells or immune
defence proteins such as antibodies or lectins.
33. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-31, wherein said medicament
is for prophylaxis or treatment of gastrointestinal infection.
34. The composition as claimed in claim 33, wherein said gastrointestinal infection
causes diarrhea.
35. The composition as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein said infection causes
traveller"s diarrhea, children"s diarrheas, persistent diarrhea, watery diarrhea, hemorrhagic
colitis or haemolytic uremic syndrome.
36. The composition as claimed in claim 35, wherein said infection is caused by
EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC
(enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli), EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli) or EAEC
(enteroaggregative Escherichia coli).
37. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 33-35, wherein infection is
caused by Vibrio species including Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter species including
Campylobacter jejuni, intestinal eukariotic parasites including the Entamobae species,
Salmonella including Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella species, Aeromonas species, zoonotic
Helicobacter species, Listeria species or rotavirus.
38. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 33-37, wherein the cause of
infection is not diagnosed.
39. A composition comprising a purified fraction(s) of at least two compounds as
claimed in any of the claims 1-38 for the manufacture of a medicament for prophylaxis or
treatment of a gastrointestinal infection.
40. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-38, wherein said medicament
is for prophylaxis or treatment of a lung disease.
41. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-38, wherein said medicament
is used for the treatment of a human patient.
42. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-38, wherein said medicament
is used for the treatment of an animal patient.
43. The composition as claimed in any one of claims 1-38 or 40-42 comprising one
or several oligosaaharide sequences selected from the group of:
oligosaaharides comprising sequences Fuca2Gal, Fuca3GlcNAc, Fuca3Glc,
NeuNAcoc8NeuNAc, Fuca2Galß3/4GlcNAc, Fuca2GalpaGlc, Fuax2Galpa(Fuca3)
Glc, Galß}4(Fuca3)GlcNAc, Fuca2Galß3/4(Fuca4/3)GlcNAc and ganglioseries
ganglioside oligosaaharide sequences.
44. A nutritional composition or a nutritional additive comprising a purified fraction
(s) of at least of two compounds as claimed in any of the claims 1-32 for prophylaxis or
treatment of gastrointestinal infection.
45. A nutritional composition or a nutritional additive as claimed in claim 44
comprising a probiotic microorganism or a prebiotic substance.
46. A composition comprising a pathogen receptor as defined in any of the claims
1-30 as a part of filter material to purify pathogens from liquid food, beverages and water by
filtering.
47. A composition comprising pathogen receptors as defined in any of the claims 1-
30 in diagnostics of a pathogen binding to at least three oligosaaharide sequences as defined
in any of the claims 1-23.
48. A composition comprising pathogen receptors as defined in any of the claims 1-
30 in diagnostics of a pathogen binding to at least four oligosaaharide sequences as defined in
any of the claims 1-23.
49. The composition as claimed in claim 47 or 48, wherein said pathogen is EPEC
(enteropathogenic Escherichia coli), ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), EHEC
(enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli) or EAEC
(enteroaggregative Escherichia coli).
50. The composition as claimed in claim 47 or 48, wherein said pathogen is Vibrio
species including Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter species including Campylobacter jejuni,
intestinal eukariotic parasites including the Entamobae species, Salmonella including
Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella species, Aeromonas species, zoonotic Helicobacter species,
Listeria species or rotavirus together with any of the pathogens as claimed in claim 39.
51. The composition comprising pathogen receptors as defined in any of the claims
1-30 in coating surfaces of food products for improved food safety.
52. The composition as claimed in any of claims 1-43, wherein the composition is
used for treatment for a gastrointestinal infection.
53. The composition as claimed in claim 52, wherein said composition is the
composition defined in any one of claims 44 or 45.
54. A therapeutical composition comprising two compounds being or containing a
pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from any one of the groups a), b), d), e),
or f) defined in any of the claims 1-23 for use in prophylaxis or treatment of diarrhea due to
the presence of EHEC (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) in gastrointestinal tract of a
patient.
55. A therapeutical composition comprising two compounds being or containing a
pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from any one of the groups a), b), c), e)
or g) defined in any of the claims 1-23 for use in prophylaxis or treatment of diarrhea due to
the presence of EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) in gastrointestinal tract of a patient.
56. A therapeutical composition comprising two compounds being or containing a
pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from any one of the groups a), b), c), d),
e), f) and g) defined in claim 11 for use in prophylaxis or treatment of diarrhea due to the
presence of ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli) in gastrointestinal tract of a patient.
57. A therapeutical composition comprising two compounds being or containing a
pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from any one of the groups c), d), e), g)
and h) defined in any of the claims 11-23 for use in prophylaxis or treatment of diarrhea due to
the presence of EAEC (enteroaggregative Escherichia coli) in gastrointestinal tract of a
patient.
58. A therapeutical composition comprising two compounds being or containing a
pathogen inhibiting oligosaaharide sequence selected from any one of the groups c), d), e), g),
f) or h) defined in any of the claims 11-23 for use in prophylaxis or treatment of diarrhea due
to the presence of EIEC (enteroinvasive Escherichia coli) in gastrointestinal tract of a patient.
59. A method of analysis of pathogen binding in vitro on a sample, such as herein
described, said method comprising a step of detecting binding of at least two receptor
oiligosaaharide sequences as described in claims 1 and selected from the group consisiting of:
lacto-receptors, neolacto-receptors, fucosyl-receptors, mannose receptors or sialic acid
receptors
to a pathogen, wherein said receptors are linked to a protein.
60. A method of analysis of binding of probiotic bacteria or microbes in vitro, on a
sample, such as herein described, comprising a step of
detecting binding of at least two receptor oiligosaaharide sequences as described in claim 1
and selected from the group consisiting of:
lacto-receptors, neolacto-receptors, fucosyl-receptors, mannose receptors or sialic acid
receptors
to a probiotic bacteria or microbe, wherein said receptors are linked to a protein.
61. The method as claimed in claim 59 or 60 for a search or design of
oligosaaharide substances analogous to those defined in claim 1.
62. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 59-61, wherein said receptors
linked to a protein comprise at least part of a O-glycan or N-glycan core structure of the
receptors defined in claim 59.
63. The method as claimed in any one of the claim 59-61, wherein said receptors
linked to a protein comprise a terminal non-reducing end oligosaaharide sequence present in
epithelium of human intestine, human stomach or human larynx.
64. A soluble polyvalent substance comprising at least two oligosaaharide
sequences from different groups defined in any of the claims 1-23.
65. Infant formula comprising at least two oligosaaharide sequences from different
groups defined in any of the claims 1-23.
66. A food preservative comprising at least two oligosaaharide sequences from
different groups defined in any of the claims 1-23.
67. A mouth hygiene product comprising at least one of the oligosaaharide
sequences defined in any of the claims 1-23.
68. A mouth hygiene product comprising at least two of the oligosaaharide
sequences from two different groups defined in any of the claims 1-23.
69. A mouth hygiene product as claimed in the claim 67 or 68 when the product is
selected from group consisting of: tooth pastes, mouth wash solutions, tablets, and chewing
gums.
70. A topical, washing or cosmetic product comprising at least one of the
oligosaccharide sequences defined in any of the claims 1-23.
71. A topical, washing or cosmetic product comprising at least two of the
oligosaaharide sequences from two different groups defined in any of the claims 1-23.
72. A topical, washing or cosmetic product as claimed in the claim 67 or 68 when
the product is selected from the group consisting of: tooth pastes, mouth wash solutions,
tablets, cleanser, disinfectant and chewing gums.
73. A composition defined in any of the claims 1 -23 for non-diagnostic inhibition or
agglutination of pathogen ex vivo.
74. The composition as claimed in claim 73 when the pathogen is E. coli.
75. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-38 or 40-46 when one of the
oligosaaharide sequences is replaced corresponding partial oligosaaharide sequence
comprising non-reducing pyranose formed monosaaharide residue selected from the group
consisting of:
Mana NeuNAca, and Gala,
wherein NeuNAca- partial oligosaaharide sequence is polysialic acid composition
comprising at least 95% of sialic acid oligosaaharides that are less than ten sialic acid
residues long; or
wherein the Gala partial oligosaaharide sequence is a reduced pectin oligosaaharide
sequence aaording Gal(a4Gal)n, wherein n is 1-10; or
wherein
Mana -saaharide is yeast mannan or phosphomanna
for use as medicament.
76. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1-23, comprising structure or
structures as claimed in claim 75.
77. The composition as claimed in claim 76 for the manufacture of a medicament
for prophylaxis or treatment of a gastrointestinal infection.
78. The composition as claimed in claim 35, wherein said infection is caused by a
pathogenic E. coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species.
79. A diarrheagenic E. coli inhibiting substance comprising two oligosaaharide
(OS) sequences as claimed in any of the claims 1-23 and the structure of the substance being
aaording to the formula
[OS-(y)p-(S)q-(z)r-]nPO (SP1)
wherein PO is an oligomeric or polymeric carrier structure, OS is an oligosaaharide sequence
according to the invention, n is an integer > 1 indicating the number of oligosaaharide
groups covalently attached to the carrier PO, S is a spacer group, p, q and r are each 0 or 1,
whereby at least one of p and r is different from 0, y and z are linking groups, at least one of y
and z being an O-hydroxylamine residue -O-NH- or -O-N=, with the nitrogen atom being
linked to the OS and/or PO structure, respectively, and the other y and z, if present, is a
chemoselective ligation group.
80. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the composition does not
comprise GalNAcpa- comprising receptor as claimed in claim 1 or the receptor as claimed in
claim 11 is Galß3GalNAcPGalp, wherein the reducing end Gal is pa linked or not linked to
Glc.
81. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the composition does not
comprise GalNAcpa- structure.
82. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the neolactostructure with
GalpaGlcNAc comprises oligosaaharide sequence GalpaGlcNAcß3Gal.
83. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the lactostructure with
Galß3GlcNAc comprises oligosaccharide sequence Galß3GlcNAcß3Gal.
84. The composition as claimed in claim 82 or 83, wherein the composition does
not comprise Lacto-N-tetraose.
85. The composition as claimed in claim 82 or 83, with the provision that when the
composition comprises both Lacto- and Neolacto- structures the composition comprises
additional structure or structure types as claimed in claim 1 or claim 11.
86. The composition as claimed in claim 82 or 83, wherein the composition does
not comprise Lewis a pentasaccharide, - Galß3(Fuca4)GlcNAcß3GalpaGlc.
87. The composition as claimed in claim 80 or 81 and as claimed in any of claims
82 - 86.
The invention provides a therapeutical composition comprising purified
fractions of compounds being or containing a pathogen-inhibiting oligosaccharide
sequence for use as a medicament. The present invention especially describes an
oligosaccharide-containing substance or receptor binding to diarrheagenic Escherichia coli
and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species, and use thereof in, e.g., pharmaceutical, nutritional
and other compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of conditions due to the presence of
Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter species. The invention is also directed to the
use of the receptors for diagnostics of Escherichia coli and/or zoonotic Helicobacter
species.

Documents:

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-assignment.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-claims.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-form 13.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-gpa.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-letter patent.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1960-kolnp-2004-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 218541
Indian Patent Application Number 01960/KOLNP/2004
PG Journal Number 14/2008
Publication Date 04-Apr-2008
Grant Date 02-Apr-2008
Date of Filing 20-Dec-2004
Name of Patentee GLYKOS FINLAND OY
Applicant Address VIKINKAARI 4, FI-00790 HELSINKI FINLAND
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NGSTROM JONAS DE GEERSGATAN 12 S-41657 GOTEBORG SWEDEN.
2 TENEBERG SUSANN POSTBOX 1639, S-430 63 HINDDAS, SWEDEN
3 SAARINEN JUHANI HIITTISTENKUJA 9B 20, FIN-00300 JELSINKI FINLAND
4 SATOMAA TERO MAAKAARI 6A 11, FIN-00710 HELSINKI FINLAND
5 ROCHE NIAMH GREVEGARDSVAGEN 146/772, S-421 61 VASTRA FROLUNDA, SWEDEN.
6 NATUNEN H JARI OOLANNINTIE 10E 18, FIN-1520 VANTAA FINLAND
7 MILLER-PODRAZA HALINA LANTMILSGATN 20, S0421 37 VASTRA FROLUNDA SWEDEN
8 KARLSSON KARL-ANDERS NILSSONBERG 37, S-411 43 GOTEBEG=RG SWEDEN
9 ABUL-MILH MAAN KRYDDPEPPARGATAN 75,S424 53 ANGERED SWEDEN
PCT International Classification Number B M61
PCT International Application Number PCT/FI2003/000528
PCT International Filing date 2003-06-30
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 20030564 2004-04-14 Finland
2 20021275 2002-06-28 Finland