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Uncovering Novel Mechanism Of Immune Modulation Of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells By Liposomal Α-Galactosylceramide, Alexandra S. Flegle
Uncovering Novel Mechanism Of Immune Modulation Of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells By Liposomal Α-Galactosylceramide, Alexandra S. Flegle
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Invariant Natural Killer T cells (iNK-T cells) are a powerful regulatory immune cell that can recruit both innate and adaptive immune cells. Unlike conventional T cells (CD4+ and CD8α+), they recognize glycolipid antigens via the MHC-class-I like molecule, CD1d. A synthetically derived glycolipid from the marine sponge, Agelas mauritianus, alpha-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) potently activates iNK-T cells. Within a few hours after activation, iNK-T cells produce high quantities of TH1 and TH2 type cytokines, thus shape subsequent adaptive immunity towards inflammation (TH1) or immune-suppression (TH2). Structural modification of α-GalCer’s phytosphingosine …