title: iNKT-cell responses to glycolipids.
abstract: Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are an unusual group of T lymphocytes that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein CD1d. Because iNKT cells play a regulatory role in the immune system, they are attractive targets for immunotherapy. The marine-sponge-derived glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) potently activates iNKT cells. In vivo administration of alpha-GalCer to mice or humans results in rapid and robust cytokine secretion by iNKT cells, followed by the activation of a variety of cell types of the innate and adaptive immune systems. These potent immunomodulatory activities of alpha-GalCer are being exploited for therapeutic purposes. Preclinical studies in mice have demonstrated that alpha-GalCer and related glycolipids can protect mice against a variety of diseases, including cancer, infections, and several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Although alpha-GalCer treatment of mice is associated with unwanted side-effects, it has been proven safe in clinical trials with cancer patients. These studies have raised significant enthusiasm for the development of effective and safe iNKT-cell-based immunotherapies for a variety of human diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: Vrajesh V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Parekh
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van Kaer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence; D005699:Galactosylceramides / Q000276:immunology*; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018949:Antigens, CD1; D005699:Galactosylceramides; D006017:Glycolipids; C493154:alpha-galactosylceramide