Cutting edge: Activation of NK T cells by CD1d and α-galactosylceramide directs conventional T cells to the acquisition of a Th2 phenotype

Nagendra Singh, Seokmann Hong, David C. Scherer, Isao Serizawa, Nicolas Burdin, Mitchell Kronenberg, Yasuhiko Koezuka, Luc Van Kaer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

334 Scopus citations

Abstract

NK T cells recognize glycolipid Ags such as α-galactosylceramide (α- GalCer) presented by the MHC class I-like molecule CD1d. In this paper we have studied the in vivo effects of α-GalCer on the generation of adaptive immune responses. Treatment of mice with α-GalCer resulted in rapid activation of NK T cells and production of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ. However, after this initial stimulation, NK T cells became polarized for the production of IL-4. Further, as soon as 6 days after α-GalCer injection, a marked increase in serum IgE levels was observed. Administration of α-GalCer at the time of priming of mice with protein Ag resulted in the generation of Ag-specific Th2 cells and a profound increase in the production of IgE. Collectively, these findings indicate that α-GalCer may be useful for modulating immune responses toward a Th2 phenotype during prophylaxis and therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2373-2377
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume163
Issue number5
StatePublished - Sep 1 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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