Synthesis of Fungal Glycolipid Asperamide B and Investigation of Its Ability to Stimulate Natural Killer T Cells

The relationship between mold and asthma has been recognized for decades, but the molecular triggers of asthma generated by molds have not been fully elucidated. A glycolipid generated by Aspergillus species has recently been identified that triggers airway hyperreactivity via natural killer T cell activation. The synthesis of this glycolipid and structural variants designed to allow identification of the features of this glycolipid required for recognition by natural killer T cells is described.