Abstract
α-Galactosylceramide (α-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. γ-GalCer can powerfully activate invariant NKT cells to produce immunoregulatory cytokines, including interferon-α 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 α- 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 α-GalCer and its possible future application for clinical studies in humans.
Keywords: Galactosylceramide, immunomodulatory, GalCer
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: α-Galactosylceramide: Potential Immunomodulatory Activity and Future Application [General Articles]
Volume: 11 Issue: 2
Author(s): Yoshihiro Hayakawa, Dale I. Godfrey and Mark J. Smyth
Affiliation:
Keywords: Galactosylceramide, immunomodulatory, GalCer
Abstract: α-Galactosylceramide (α-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. γ-GalCer can powerfully activate invariant NKT cells to produce immunoregulatory cytokines, including interferon-α 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 α- 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 α-GalCer and its possible future application for clinical studies in humans.
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Cite this article as:
Hayakawa Yoshihiro, Godfrey I. Dale and Smyth J. Mark, α-Galactosylceramide: Potential Immunomodulatory Activity and Future Application [General Articles], Current Medicinal Chemistry 2004; 11 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867043456115
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867043456115 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
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