Small-Molecule Ligands of GD2 Ganglioside, Designed from NMR Studies, Exhibit Induced-Fit Binding and Bioactivity

SummaryGanglioside GD2 is a cell surface glycosphingolipid. Targeting of GD2, i.e., by anti-GD2 mAb 3F8, is used clinically for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Here, the conformations of free GD2, and of GD2 bound to mAb 3F8, were resolved by saturation transfer difference NMR and molecular modeling. Then, three small-molecule cyclic peptide ligands that bind to GD2 selectively were designed. Transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement of the GD2-bound conformation of the peptide ligands showed an induced-fit binding mechanism. The mAb 3F8 and the peptidic GD2 ligands mediate similar biological functions in cell-based assays of calcium fluxes and src activation. Thus, small molecules can selectively and functionally interact with a sugar head group. This work furthers the concept of rationally designing ligands for carbohydrate targets, and may be expanded to other clinically relevant gangliosides.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (151 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The carbohydrate structures of GD2 and lipid-free GD2 were resolved by NMR
► Interactions of GD2 with mAb 3F8 were studied by STD-NMR, a binding model was built
► Peptide ligands derived from the model were designed
► Peptides bind to GD2 via a induced fit mechanism, and activate signal transduction