Glycolipid Stimulators for NKT Cells Bearing Invariant Vα19-Jα33 TCR α Chains

Attempts have been made to find specific antigens for a novel NKT cell subset bearing invariant V alpha 19-J alpha 33 TCR alpha chains (V alpha 19 NKT cell). Comprehensive examinations revealed substantial antigenic activity in synthetic mannosylceramide (ManCer) that was presented by MR1. Structural modification of the sphingosine moiety of ManCer improved antigenic activity to enhance either Th1 or Th2-promoting cytokine production by V 19 NKT cells. Such ManCer analogues will be useful for developing new therapies as immunomodulators.