[α-GalCer reduces Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease by Altering Donor T Cells Migration].

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to explore the new mechanism of α-Galactosyleramide (α-GalCer), a synthetic glycolipid, and a well-known activator of natural killer T cells (NKT) for improving acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD). METHODS: Murine allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) model was established. Recipient mice were injected intraperitoneally with α-GalCer immediately after allo-BMT, whereas mice from the vehicle groups received the diluent (DMSO) only. The severity degree of aGVHD was estimated by survival, aGVHD clinical score and pathology. The mechanism of aGVHD reduced by α-GalCer was explored by detecting T cells migration in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Mice in α-GalCer group survived longer than in control group, and their clinical and pathological status of aGVHD were lighter. α-GalCer reduced aGVHD by altering donors T cell migration. CONCLUSION: After allo-BMT α-GalCer reduces aGVHD by altering donor T cells migration.