Cutting edge: activation of NK T cells by CD1d and alpha-galactosylceramide directs conventional T cells to the acquisition of a Th2 phenotype. |
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| Authors: | N Singh S Hong D C Scherer I Serizawa N Burdin M Kronenberg Y Koezuka L Van Kaer |
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| Institution: | Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. |
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| Abstract: | NK T cells recognize glycolipid Ags such as alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) presented by the MHC class I-like molecule CD1d. In this paper we have studied the in vivo effects of alpha-GalCer on the generation of adaptive immune responses. Treatment of mice with alpha-GalCer resulted in rapid activation of NK T cells and production of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma. However, after this initial stimulation, NK T cells became polarized for the production of IL-4. Further, as soon as 6 days after alpha-GalCer injection, a marked increase in serum IgE levels was observed. Administration of alpha-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 alpha-GalCer may be useful for modulating immune responses toward a Th2 phenotype during prophylaxis and therapy. |
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