1. Novel synthesis of α-galactosyl-ceramides and confirmation of their powerful NKT cell agonist activity
- Author
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Lee, Adrianne, Farrand, Kathryn J., Dickgreber, Nina, Hayman, Colin M., Jürs, Stefan, Hermans, Ian F., and Painter, Gavin F.
- Subjects
- *
CELLS , *BIOLOGY , *T cells , *CELLULAR immunity - Abstract
Abstract: α-Galactosyl-ceramide (1) has been identified as a powerful modulator of immunological processes through its capacity to bind CD1d molecules and specifically activate invariant natural killer (NK)-like T cells (iNKT cells). This paper describes the synthesis of 1, the analogous α-galactosyl-ceramide 3, and its short chain analogue ‘OCH’ (2), by use of the 4,6-di-O-tert-butylsilylene (DTBS) protecting group to produce a powerful α-galactosylating agent. In vivo experiments confirmed these compounds to be potent and selective activators of iNKT cells in a CD1d-dependent manner, each inducing a unique profile of cytokine release. This synthesis strategy will permit the generation of novel derivatives for use in the study of the mechanism of iNKT cell activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2006
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