LSTc—Unlocking Nature’s Blueprint for Anti-Infectious and Immunomodulatory Treatments-CAS Number: 64003-55-0

Human milk oligosaccharides are the third largest solid component in breast milk after lactose and fat, and are known as "the next generation of prebiotics in breast milk". Among them, sialylated LSTc (Lacto-N-sialylpentaosec), as a core member with complex structure and excellent functions, is becoming a new generation of star molecule in the development of anti-infection biological agents and immunomodulatory therapies. chemical information Chemical name: Lacto-N-sialylpentaosec Common name: LSTc; LS-tetraose c; Sialyllacto-N-tetraose c Chemical formula: C37H62N2O29 Molecular weight: 998.88 g/mol CAS number: 64003-55-0 Structural features LSTc is a sialylated oligosaccharide with precise spatial conformation. Its unique features are: 1. Terminal sialic acid cap: LSTc uses a sialic acid residue as a "cap-like structure" at the non-reducing end of its oligosaccharide chain, which is the key to its specific recognition of various pathogens and immune receptors. 2. Precise three-dimensional structure: Its oligosaccharide skeleton and sialic acid together form a unique three-dimensional "recognition code" that can bind to the target with high affinity and selectivity. 3. Accuracy of natural sources: As a natural component in human milk, its structure represents the optimal recognition mode evolved by organisms, providing an incomparably precise template for drug design. Main applications and advantages 1. Innovative targets and blockers for anti-infectious drug development New antiviral strategies: Many pathogens, including influenza viruses, rotaviruses, etc., initiate infection by recognizing and binding to sialylated structures (such as LSTc) on the surface of host cells. LSTc can serve as a decoy receptor: It effectively neutralizes viral infection by competitively binding to viral particles and preventing their adhesion to host cells. Drug Design Template: Provides key structural foundations and screening tools for the development of small molecule or peptide inhibitors based on oligosaccharide structures. Inhibits bacterial colonization: Similarly, many pathogenic bacteria also use similar mechanisms to colonize the intestines or respiratory tract. LSTc can be used as a potential anti-colonization agent to prevent infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. 2. The key to immune regulation and inflammation control Regulating the immune response: The sialic acid-Siglec receptor axis is an important checkpoint in the immune system. As a sialylated ligand, LSTc can interact with specific Siglec receptors (such as Siglec-9, etc.) to transmit "self" signals, thereby inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses and providing new ideas for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergies, or sepsis. Shaping intestinal microecology: As an advanced prebiotic, LSTc can selectively promote the proliferation of specific beneficial bacteria (such as bifidobacteria) and help establish healthy intestinal flora, which is crucial for the development of the immune system of infants and young children and the intestinal health of adults. 3. Basic research and development of diagnostic tools A powerful tool for glycobiology research: LSTc is an ideal tool molecule for studying host-pathogen interactions, sialic acid biology, and immune cell signal transduction mechanisms. Biomarker potential: Specific LSTc levels, or changes in biological pathways mediated by it, may be associated with certain infectious diseases or immune states, making them potential diagnostic biomarkers. Conclusion LSTc is not just an oligosaccharide molecule, it carries the sophisticated defense and regulatory wisdom endowed by natural evolution. From designing "bait" antiviral drugs to developing new anti-inflammatory therapies targeting immune checkpoints, the potential is huge.