title: The Alpha and Omega of Galactosylceramides in T Cell Immune Function.
abstract: Glycosphingolipids are a subgroup of glycolipids that contain an amino alcohol sphingoid base linked to sugars. They are found in the membranes of cells ranging from bacteria to vertebrates. This group of lipids is known to stimulate the immune system through activation of a type of white blood cell known as natural killer T cell (NKT cell). Here we summarize the extensive research that has been done to identify the structures of natural glycolipids that stimulate NKT cells and to determine how these antigens are recognized. We also review studies designed to understand how glycolipid variants, both natural and synthetic, can alter the responses of NKT cells, leading to dramatic changes in the global immune response.
authors.affiliation: Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037.
authors.forename: Alysia M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Birkholz
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269.
authors.forename: Amy R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037. Electronic address: mitch@lji.org.
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kronenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D005699:Galactosylceramides / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D005699:Galactosylceramides
keywords: ceramide; cytokine; glycolipid structure; immunology; lipid