The Roles of 3′ and 4′ Hydroxy Groups in α‐Galactosylceramide Stimulation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells

Abstract
NKT cell stimulation: C3′‐ and C4′‐modified α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer) analogues show that the 3′‐OH group is crucial for maintaining α‐GalCer immunogenicity; any modifications at this position lead to loss of activity. However, the C4′ position is less sensitive and tolerates minor modifications. Moreover, C4′‐substituted analogues can induce the release of biased Th2 cytokines.