Binding inhibition of various influenza viruses by sialyllactose-modified trimer DNAs

Sialyllactose (SL)-modified trimer DNAs with a similar SL presentation as their binding sites on influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) trimer were designed and synthesized. These trimer DNAs showed high affinity for various influenza viruses, including A/Puerto Rico/08/34 (H1N1), A/Beijing/262/95 (H1N1), A/Yokohama/77/2008 (H1N1), and A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2). Thus, presentation of SL residues on three vertexes of the scaffold as well as sialic acid binding sites on the HA trimer regardless of a tri-branched or triangular scaffold are important for high affinity for influenza viruses. These compounds have the potential for use in detection and as inhibitors of a broad spectrum of influenza viruses.