Conformationally constrained Lipid A mimetics for exploration of structural basis of TLR4/MD-2 activation by lipopolysaccharide

Recognition of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, by the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex is essential for the control of bacterial infection. A pro-inflammatory signaling cascade is initiated upon binding of membrane-associated portion of LPS, a glycophospholipid Lipid A, by a co-receptor protein MD-2, which results in a protective host innate immune response. However, activation of TLR4 signaling by LPS may lead to the dysregulated immune response resulting in a variety of inflammatory conditions including sepsis syndrome. Understanding of structural requirements for Lipid A endotoxicity would ensure the development of effective anti-inflammatory medications. Herein we report on design, synthesis and biological activities of a series of conformationally confined Lipid A mimetics based on β,α-trehalose-type scaffold. Replacement of the flexible three-bond β(1→6) linkage in diglucosamine backbone of Lipid A by a two-bond β,α(1↔1) glycosidic linkage afforded novel potent TLR4 antagonists. Synthetic tetraacylated bisphosphorylated Lipid A mimetics based on a β-GlcN(1↔1)α-GlcN scaffold selectively block the LPS binding site on both human and murine MD-2 and completely abolish lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory signaling, thereby serving as antisepsis drug candidates. In contrast to their natural counterpart lipid IVa, conformationally constrained Lipid A mimetics do not activate mouse TLR4. The structural basis for high antagonistic activity of novel Lipid A mimetics was confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation. Our findings suggest that besides the chemical structure, also the three-dimensional arrangement of the diglucosamine backbone of MD-2-bound Lipid A determines endotoxic effects on TLR4.