Abstract: | Based on the principle of a multivalent interaction, the amphiphilic polymer 1 , present in solution as an aggregate (see below right), is able to inhibit infection with the influenza virus. After recognition of a specific sialyllactose epitope through hemaglutinin (HA) on the virus surface, the sphingosine residues and the fluorescent tag form a stable complex with HA through hydrophobic interactions. Polymer 1 shows in vitro inhibitory activity 106-fold greater than that of sialyllactose. PGA=polyglutamic acid. |