Sulfatides for the treatment of autoimmune disorders

Abstract

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of immune regulatory cells. Several glycolipids and phospholipids derived from mammalian, bacterial, protozoan and plant species have recently been identified as possible natural ligands for NKT cells. One such compound, sulfatide, which is a major glycolipid of myelin, has been shown to modulate NKT cell activity. This patent application claims to ameliorate or prevent symptoms of immune related disorders by application of sulfatides. Although preclinical studies have effectively targeted NKT cells for immunotherapy, little is known regarding the early in vivo response of these cells to antigenic stimulation. The data in support of the present patent may suggest that the naturally β-anomeric glycosphingolipids (sulfatides) may be ligands for NKT lymphocytes.

Keywords::

• immune therapy
• NKT cells
• sulfatides