A panel of carbohydrate functionalized polypeptides have been prepared via polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides. Molecular weight and glycan density can be controlled by polymerization reaction stoichiometry to give glycopolypeptides of biologically-relevant length and composition. The glycopolypeptides are dual end-functionalized with chemical handles that allow conjugation to a variety of substrates and fluorophores. In particular, functionalization of fluorescent beads allowed study of the impact of carbohydrate composition and density on phagocytosis in a model cell line. We observed increased phagocytosis of glycopolypeptide-bead conjugates bearing canonical pattern-recognition motifs compared to controls. The polypeptides also elicited receptor-dependent cytokine expression in model cell lines. These materials provide a new platform for studying carbohydrate-dependent biological systems.<br/>

Tunable glycopolypeptides bearing pattern-recognition motifs affect phagocytosis and cytokine expression

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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