Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a vital role in the body’s response to cancer, autoimmune conditions, and infectious diseases. There are two main classes of NKT cells, type I and type II, both of which can be stimulated by glycosphingolipids. α-Galactosyl ceramides are known to activate type I NKT cells whereas β-sulfatides activate a subset of type II NKT cells. Extensive research has been conducted on type I NKT cells utilizing a potent α-galactosyl ceramide, KRN7000; however, antigen specificity and activation of type II NKT cells is still poorly understood. Herein we describe our efforts towards identifying more potent β-sulfatides via the synthesis of 10 new compounds that will be studied for their potential to activate type II NKT cells.

Synthesis of β-sulfatides for the activation of type II NKT cells

ACS Spring 2022

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