alpha-Galactosylceramide therapy for autoimmune diseases: prospects and obstacles.

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.

• 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)

Chemical References

• Galactosylceramides
• Immunologic Factors
• alpha-galactosylceramide

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)