Glycolipids and analogues as antigens for natural killer T cells

This technology describes the development of immunogenic compounds to serve as ligands for natural killer T cells to modulate immune responses.

Unmet Need: Method for modulating immune response with ligands for natural killer T cells

Natural killer T cells are T lymphocytes that play a critical role in cytokine production and are involved in controlling cancer, infection and are essential for several aspects of immunity. CD1 molecules are a family of highly conserved antigen presenting proteins that display a variety of lipids and glycolipids to T cells. A great diversity of lipids and glycolipids have been shown to bind to the various isoforms of CD1 and activate natural killer T cells. Modulating the activity of these cells could be a way to enhance the immune response of an organism.

The Technology: Novel glycolipid analogues that enhance cell mediated immune responses

This technology describes a series of novel compounds that have been identified to act as ligands for natural killer T cells and modulate the immune response of these cells. They are useful for developing vaccines for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that require immunotherapy and stimulation of natural killer T cells.

Applications:

  • Suppress autoimmune, inflammatory, and/or allergic responses
  • Act as an immunogenic part of a vaccine
  • May be able to stimulate, inhibit, suppress, or modulate an immune response in a subject
  • Stimulate a protective immune response to respond to an infectious virus, bacteria, or fungus

Advantages:

  • Can be used as an adjuvant therapy
  • Enhances the immune response to many types of pathogens
  • Can be used during vaccine development

Lead Inventor:

David Ho, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

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