Provided are methods of attaching a mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moiety to a polymeric carbohydrate backbone using an amide linkage. The amide linkage may be found between a leash, such as an amine terminated leash, and the mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moieties. The compounds and compositions disclosed utilizing the amide linkage provide for highly stable compounds with a significant reduction in loss of mannose-binding C-type lectin receptor targeting moieties from the polymeric carbohydrate backbone.