Natural killer T (NKT) cells recognize glycosphingolipids presented by CD1d molecules and have been linked to defense against microbial infections. Previously defined foreign glycosphingolipids recognized by NKT cells are uniquely found in nonpathogenic sphingomonas bacteria. Here we show that mouse and human NKT cells also recognized glycolipids, specifically a diacylglycerol, from Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. The B. burgdorferi-derived, glycolipid-induced NKT cell proliferation and cytokine production and the antigenic potency of this glycolipid was dependent on acyl chain length and saturation. These data indicate that NKT cells recognize categories of glycolipids beyond those in sphingomonas and suggest that NKT cell responses driven by T cell receptor-mediated glycolipid recognition may provide protection against diverse pathogens.
Introduction of an aromatic group into the fatty acyl chain of alpha-GalCer modulates the activity and selectivity of IFN-gamma/IL-4 secretion through CD1d-mediated activation of NKT cells. Compound 14-16 are more potent than alpha-Galcer and biased for IFN-gamma than for IL-4. These new glycolipids may find use as adjuvants or as antimetastatic agents.
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