Utilizing the adjuvant properties of CD1d-dependent NK T cells in T cell-mediated immunotherapy.

ABSTRACT: Activation of invariant CD1d-dependent NK T cells (iNKT cells) in vivo through administration of the glycolipid ligand alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) or the sphingosine-truncated alpha-GalCer analog OCH leads to CD40 signaling as well as the release of soluble molecules including type 1 and gamma interferons that contribute to DC maturation. This process enhances T cell immunity to antigens presented by the DC. The adjuvant activity is further amplified if APCs are stimulated through Toll-like receptor 4, suggesting that iNKT cell signals can amplify maturation induced by microbial stimuli. The adjuvant activity of alpha-GalCer enhances both priming and boosting of CD8(+) T cells to coadministered peptide or protein antigens, including a peptide encoding the clinically relevant, H

SUBMITTER: Silk JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC535067 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature