Synthesis and evaluation of 3- and 4-deoxy and -fluoro analogs of the immunostimulatory glycolipid, KRN7000

Four 3 ''- and 4 ''-deoxy and -fluorogalactosyl ceramides were synthesized, and their ability to stimulate iNKT cells, based on levels of IL-2 production, was assessed in three NKT cell receptor hybridomas. In two of the hybridomas, 1.2 and 2H4, all of the analogs were immunostimulatory, while in the 1.4 hybridoma only the 4 ''-fluoro analog led to the production of significant levels of IL-2. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.