We have developed a novel class of sialic acid derivatives by modifying simultaneously the C-4 and C-9 positions of Neu5Aα2Me. This approach has lead to a compound that has sub-micromolar affinity for Siglec-2 (CD22) and may provide a pathway for immunoglycotherapy strategies for autoimmune diseases and B cell derived non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A combination of molecular modelling, medicinal chemistry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy has been used to achieve high-affinity and will be presented in this lecture.
