Abstract |
Autoimmune responses are normally kept in check by immune-tolerance mechanisms, which include regulatory T cells. In recent years, research has focused on the role of a subset of natural killer T (NKT) cells - invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, which are a population of glycolipid-reactive regulatory T cells - in controlling autoimmune responses. Because iNKT cells strongly react with a marine-sponge-derived glycolipid, alpha-galactosylceramide ( alpha-GalCer), it has been possible to specifically target and track these cells. As I discuss here, although preclinical studies have shown considerable promise for the development of treatment with alpha-GalCer as a therapeutic modality for autoimmune diseases, several obstacles need to be overcome before moving alpha-GalCer therapy from the bench to the bedside.
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Authors | Luc Van Kaer |
Journal | Nature reviews. Immunology
(Nat Rev Immunol)
Vol. 5
Issue 1
Pg. 31-42
(Jan 2005)
ISSN: 1474-1733 [Print] England |
PMID | 15630427
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)
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Chemical References |
- Galactosylceramides
- Immunologic Factors
- alpha-galactosylceramide
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Topics |
- Animals
- Autoimmune Diseases
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Autoimmunity
(drug effects, immunology)
- Galactosylceramides
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(pharmacology)
- Killer Cells, Natural
(drug effects, immunology)
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets
(drug effects, immunology)
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