The Roles of 3 ' and 4 ' Hydroxy Groups in alpha-Galactosylceramide Stimulation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells

The marine-derived α-galactosylceramide is an exogenous ligand for natural killer T cells and leads to the secretion of both T help 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines. The relationship between the sugar moiety structure and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell stimulation ability has not been fully understood. With the series α-galactosylceramide analogues varied on C3′ and C4′ position, subjected to a murine system, we discovered that the 3′ hydroxyl is very crucial in maintaining the molecule’s immunogenicity. Any modification on this position will lead to the losing of activity. We also found that the C4′ position is not so sensitive and can tolerate some small modifications on it. Moreover, the C4′ substituted analogues induced biased Th2 cytokines release was observed.