β-1,2-mannotriose

β-1,2-mannotriose is a specific trisaccharide composed of three mannose units connected by β-1,2-glycosidic linkages. It is a prominent carbohydrate epitope found on the cell surface of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, specifically within its phosphopeptidomannan (PPM) and phospholipomannan (PLM) complexes [1, 3, 15]. This molecule plays a critical role in fungal pathogenesis by acting as an adhesin that facilitates the attachment of the yeast to host cells, such as macrophages and epithelial cells [2, 6, 15]. Furthermore, it is a potent immunomodulator, capable of stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and inducing the secretion of protective antibodies [2, 4, 15]. In therapeutic development, β-1,2-mannotriose is targeted by experimental monoclonal antibodies, such as MAb B6.1 and MAb C3.1, which provide protection against disseminated and vaginal candidiasis by promoting complement activation and phagocytosis [1, 8, 12]. It is also a key component in the development of glycoconjugate vaccines aimed at preventing invasive fungal infections [2, 6].

Other names

Beta-1,2-mannotrioseβ-1,2-linked mannotrioseBeta-1,2-oligomannosideFactor 5 antigenCandida albicans cell surface mannotriose

Antibody-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis; Complement activation; Competitive inhibition of fungal adhesion to host cells