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.
Export Options
About this article
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 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Helper T Cells Point the Way to Specific Immunotherapy for Autoimmune Disease
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase: A Potential Target for the Development of Drugs to Treat T-Cell- and Apicomplexan Parasite-Mediated Diseases
Current Drug Targets Desirability Based Optimization of New Mesalazine Modified Release Formulations: Compression Coated Tablets and Mini Tablets in Capsules
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Functional Genome and Proteome Analyses of Cutaneous Autoimmune Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Therapeutic Carrier for Delivery of DNA, siRNA and CpG-ODNs
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia A New Approach to the Inflammatory/Autoimmune Diseases
Recent Patents on Anti-Infective Drug Discovery Recognition of Peptides by Antibodies and Investigations of Affinity Using Biosensor Technology
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Thiol-Dependent Cathepsins: Pathophysiological Implications and Recent Advances in Inhibitor Design
Current Pharmaceutical Design Therapeutic Monitoring of Immunotherapies in Autoimmune Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Role of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and RIC-3 in the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Protein Engineering Studies for C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 2 (CCR2)
Current Enzyme Inhibition Cell-free DNA: Characteristics, Detection and its Applications in Myocardial Infarction
Current Pharmaceutical Design SAGE Application in Hematological Research
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology B Cells and Beyond: Therapeutic Opportunities Targeting Inflammation
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Endothelial Effects of Drugs Designed to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Current Pharmaceutical Design Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on Mycophenolic Acid Pharmacokinetics and Patient Outcomes in Renal Transplantation
Current Drug Metabolism Regulation of B Cell Activation by PECAM-1: Implications for the Development of Autoimmune Disorders
Current Pharmaceutical Design Acquired Hemophilia as Initial Presentation in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Current Rheumatology Reviews BX471: A CCR1 Antagonist with Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Man
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Ablation of T-Helper 1 Cell Derived Cytokines and of Monocyte-Derived Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Immunological Consequences and Clinical Considerations
Current Pharmaceutical Design