Glycolipids as immunostimulating agents

The processing and presentation of lipid antigens by antigen presenting cells (APC) is important for defense against infection, tumor immunosurveillance, and autoimmunity. CD1, a family of cell surface glycoproteins, is responsible for the binding and presentation of lipid antigens to receptors expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes. Among the several (glyco)lipids identified to cause T-cell stimulation in complex with CD1, α-galactosyl ceramide (α-GalCer) is one of the most well studied. A combination of structure–activity relationship (SAR), crystallographic studies, and discovery of new ‘natural’ antigens has led to greater understanding of the structural requirements for optimal natural killer T-cell activation.

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