Alpha-galactosylceramide: potential immunomodulatory activity and future application.
alpha-Galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), is a glycolipid which has been identified as a ligand recognized by a special group of immune T cells, known as invariant NKT cells. alpha-GalCer can powerfully activate invariant NKT cells to produce immunoregulatory cytokines, including interferon-gamma and IL-4, and thereby exert a variety of subsequent effects on other cells in the immune system. Recent studies have revealed the mechanism of alpha-GalCer-induced iNKT cell-activation in immune responses to tumors and microbes, and in the suppression of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the potential immunomodulatory activity of alpha-GalCer and its possible future application for clinical studies in humans.
Hayakawa
Yoshihiro
Y
Cancer Immunology Program, Trescowthick Laboratories, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St. Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
Godfrey
Dale I
DI
Smyth
Mark J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005699:Galactosylceramides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D005699:Galactosylceramides