Keywords:
A3galt2, ALPHA-CHAIN, antigen presentation, CD1d, dendritic cell, EXPRESSION, GAL-ALPHA(1,3)GAL, gly
Abstract:
CD1d-restricted natural killer T(NKT) cells, expressing the invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) chain encoded by V alpha 14-J alpha 18 gene segments in mice and V alpha 24-J alpha 18 in humans [invariant NKT (iNKT) cells], contribute to immunoregulatory processes, such as tolerance, hostdefense, and tumor surveillance. iNKT cells are positively selected in the thymus by CD1d molecules expressed by CD4+/ CD8(+) cortical thymocytes. However, the identity of the endogenous lipid(s) responsible for positive selection of iNKT cells remains unclear. One candidate lipid proposed to play a role in positive selection is isoglobotrilhexosylceramide (iGb3). However, no direct evidence for its physiological role has been provided. Therefore, to directly investigate the role of iGb3 in iNKT cell selection, we have generated mice deficient in iGb3 synthase [iGb3S, also known as alpha 1-3galactosyltransferase 2 (A3galt2)]. These mice developed, grew, and reproduced normally and exhibited no overt behavioral abnormalities. Consistent with the notion that iGb3 is synthesized only by iGb3S, lack of iGb3 in the dorsal root ganglia of iGb3S-deficient mice (iGb3S(-/-)), as compared with iGb3S(+/-) mice, was confirmed. iGb3S(-/-) mice showed normal numbers of iNKT cells in the thymus, spleen, and liver with selected TCR V beta chains identical to controls. Upon administration of alpha-galactosylceramide, activation of iNKT and dendritic cells was similar in iGb3S(-/-) and iGb3S(+/-) mice, as measured by up-regulation of CD69 as well as intracellular IL-4 and IFN-gamma in iNKT cells, up-regulation of CD86 on dendritic cells, and rise in serum concentrations of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and Ccl2/MCP-1. Our results strongly suggest that iGb3 is unlikely to be an endogenous CD1d lipid ligand determining thymic iNKT selection.
Type of Publication:
Journal article published
Deep Link:
http://www.dkfz.de/cgi-bin/sel?http://www.dkfz.de/PublicationManager/Show/ShowJournal.aspx%3fpublishedId=4988
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