α-Galactosylceramide Adjuvant Development Service

α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) Adjuvant Development Service at CD BioGlyco

Glycolipids are intricate compounds that play a crucial role in vital cellular functions. Among them, the α-GalCer has garnered significant attention as a biomedical vaccine adjuvant due to its ability to stimulate the immune system. For many years, CD BioGlyco has been at the forefront of carbohydrate research and is committed to the development of Marine Carbohydrate-based Vaccine Development. Our team has successfully created a comprehensive solution for Marine Carbohydrate-based Adjuvant Development, allowing us to provide precise and efficient α-GalCer adjuvant development service.

Development of α-GalCer Adjuvant on Nanoparticle Carriers

First, we design and synthesize α-GalCer and suitable nanoparticle carriers. Suitable carrier materials, such as liposomes, polymers, or metal nanoparticles, are selected and chemically modified as needed to achieve stable encapsulation and controlled release of α-GalCer. Then, we encapsulate the synthesized α-GalCer with the carrier by thin-film dispersion, co-precipitation, and membrane dissolution, and optimize the conditions to ensure efficient encapsulation and stability. Subsequently, the encapsulated nanoparticle carriers are evaluated by particle size analysis, Zeta potential measurement, fluorescent labeling, etc. The biological activities of the nanoparticle carriers are then evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, including the uptake and activation effects of the carriers on immune cells. Finally, the nanoparticle carriers are optimized and improved based on the experimental results, and evaluated for cytotoxicity.

Development of Complex α-GalCer Adjuvants

Firstly, we screen different types of α-GalCer and select the α-GalCer suitable for the particular vaccine to be synthesized. Then suitable immune adjuvants and antigens are selected, which should be able to form stable complexes with α-GalCer and have the desired immunogenicity. The selected α-GalCer is mixed or covalently combined with the immune adjuvant and antigen to form a complex vaccine adjuvant. Subsequently, the effects of the composite vaccine adjuvants on the activation of immune cells and immune response are evaluated in vitro cellular assays and animal models. Finally, the toxicity of the adjuvants is evaluated.

Fig.1 Classification of α-GalCer adjuvants. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication Data

Technology: Flow cytometry, ELISA, and mouse models

Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine

IF: 7.033

Published: 2021

Results: The research in this paper focuses on the enhancement of the anti-tumor immune response of the MUC1 antigen-based tumor vaccine by loading α-GalCer onto gold nanoparticles as an adjuvant. The study focused on the effect of this formulation on the stimulation of CD8+ T cells and natural killer T cells and assessed its anti-tumor activity in vivo using a mouse model. This study demonstrated that α-GalCer loaded on gold nanoparticles as adjuvants significantly enhanced tumor-specific immune responses induced by MUC1 antigen-based tumor vaccines. In particular, it has a significant promoting effect in activating CD8+ T cells and natural killer T cells.

Applications

• α-GalCer adjuvant is used in studies to modulate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• It has been used in studies to improve vaccine protection against pathogens.
• α-GalCer adjuvant is used as an immune adjuvant to improve the immunization effect of vaccines.

Highlights

• With our extensive pharmaceutical industry experience and market insights, we are able to combine the development of α-GalCer with market needs to provide clients with competitive products and solutions.
• Depending on the requirements and goals of our clients, we provide customized formulations and dosages to achieve optimal results.
• We collaborate with partners across diverse industries to facilitate the implementation of α-GalCer adjuvant in a multitude of applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1: What is the mechanism of action of α-GalCer?
  First, α-GalCer binds to the CD1d molecule to form the α-GalCer-CD1d complex. α-GalCer-CD1d is a molecule expressed predominantly on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and is capable of binding to a wide range of lipid antigens and displaying them to T cells. The α-GalCer-CD1d complex is then recognized and binds to the T cell receptor(TCR) on NKT cells. This signal triggers intracellular signaling by activating the TCR on the NKT cell, thereby activating the NKT cell. Activated NKT cells rapidly release a variety of cytokines to regulate and modulate the immune response. Finally, by activating NKT cells, α-GalCer can regulate the function of other immune cells, enhancing the overall immune response.
• Q2: What are the prospects for the application of α-GalCer in vaccine development?
  By combining with different types of vaccines, including protein vaccines, peptide vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines, α-GalCer provides a more precise modulatory effect, which contributes to improving the immune effect and the scope of protection of vaccines. Although further research and clinical validation are needed, the application of α-GalCer in the field of vaccines is promising and may lead to more effective vaccine strategies and preventive measures.

Fig.2 Structures and mechanism of natural and synthetic α-GalCer-based adjuvants. (Liu, et al., 2021)

CD BioGlyco is a leader in marine carbohydrate research with a wide range of technical approaches in marine glycan research. We not only provide fast, accurate, and cost-effective α-GalCer adjuvant development service for our clients, but our experts also provide free consultation for our client's projects. For further details, please don't hesitate to contact us.