NKT TCR recognition of CD1d-?-C-galactosylceramide.

ABSTRACT: NKT cells respond to a variety of CD1d-restricted glycolipid Ags that are structurally related to the prototypic Ag ?-galactosylceramide (?-GalCer). A modified analog of ?-GalCer with a carbon-based glycosidic linkage (?-C-GalCer) has generated great interest because of its apparent ability to promote prolonged, Th1-biased immune responses. In this study, we report the activation of spleen NKT cells to ?-C-GalCer, and related C-glycoside ligands, is weaker than that of ?-GalCer. Furthermore, the V?8.2 and V?7 NKT TCR affinity for CD1d-?-C-GalCer, and some related analogs, is ?10-fold lower than that for the NKT TCR-CD1d-?-GalCer interaction. Nevertheless, the crystal structure of the V?8.2 NKT TCR-CD1d-?-C-GalCer complex is similar to that of the corresponding NKT TCR-CD1d-?-GalCer complex, although subtle differences at the interface provide a basis for understanding the lower affinity of the NKT TCR-CD1d-?-C-GalCer interaction. Our findings support the concept that for CD1d-restricted NKT cells, altered glycolipid ligands can promote markedly different responses while adopting similar TCR-docking topologies.

SUBMITTER: Patel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3710193 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature