Abstract
To optimize vaccination strategies, it is important to use protocols that can 'jump-start' immune responses by harnessing cells of the innate immune system to assist the expansion of antigen-specific B and T cells. In this Review, we discuss the evidence indicating that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells can positively modulate dendritic cells and B cells, and that their pharmacological activation in the presence of antigenic proteins can enhance antigen-specific B- and T-cell responses. In addition, we describe structural and kinetic analyses that assist in the design of optimal iNKT-cell agonists that could be used in the clinical setting as vaccine adjuvants.
MeSH terms
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Animals
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Antigens, CD1d / chemistry
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Antigens, CD1d / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Cell Differentiation
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Forecasting
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Galactosylceramides / chemistry
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Galactosylceramides / pharmacology
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Galactosylceramides / therapeutic use
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Glycolipids / immunology
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Humans
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Immunity, Innate
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Immunologic Surveillance / immunology
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Infections / immunology
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Mice
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Models, Molecular
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Natural Killer T-Cells / drug effects
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Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
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Neoplasms / immunology
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Neoplasms / therapy
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Vaccination* / methods
Substances
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Antigens, CD1d
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Cytokines
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Galactosylceramides
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Glycolipids
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
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alpha-galactosylceramide