α-Galactosylceramide: Potential Immunomodulatory Activity and Future Application [General Articles]

Author(s):

Yoshihiro Hayakawa, Dale I. Godfrey and Mark J. Smyth   Pages 241 - 252 ( 12 )

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

Affiliation:

, , Cancer Immunology Program, Trescowthick Laboratories, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St.Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia

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