Ligand-based targeted delivery for murine Langerin

Invading pathogens are recognized by cells of the immune system by the carbohydrate structures present on their surface. This recognition process is enabled by receptors, which in turn are found on the immune cells. The Langerhans cells of the skin are such immune cells and reside mainly in the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin. The receptor Langerin is produced by these cells and is involved in the recognition of various viruses, fungi and bacteria and subsequently initiates a cascade of processing steps that results in the activation of further immune cells. In this project, compounds are identified that can mimic the binding to the receptor. This can be done via the natural recognition site of the receptor or via so-called allosteric sites. The aim is to investigate how the choice of the site but also the binding affinity between ligand and receptor affects the uptake process. The answer to this question helps to understand how pathogens are recognized and processed in the body, but will also enable the development of new therapeutic approaches, e.g. in vaccine research.