α-Galactosylceramide-derived Adjuvant Development Service

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

α-GalCer is a naturally occurring immunoreactive lipid with a wide range of potential applications. Its derivatives applied in adjuvants can enhance the immune response, regulate immune homeostasis, and improve the efficacy of vaccines. CD BioGlyco has been focusing on the Development of Marine Carbohydrate-based Vaccines and Marine Carbohydrate-based Adjuvants. Among these, our α- GalCer -derived adjuvant development services include but are not limited to the following:

• T-cell Response-enhanced Adjuvant Development Service
  α-GalCer promotes the activation of natural killer T-cells (NKT cells), leading to the secretion of large quantities of cytokines, which further activate other T-cells and natural killer cells and enhance the immune response. It can also regulate the activity of other immune cells. Therefore, by introducing α-GalCer as an adjuvant, we enhance T-cell responses and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. First, we design and synthesize a variety of α-GalCer derivatives by changing their structures or substituent groups to find new compounds with stronger T-cell activation or better biostability. We then perform preliminary in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the synthesized derivatives to assess their activation capacity, cytotoxicity, and immunomodulatory effects on NKT cells and other immune cells. Finally, we conduct activity and structure-activity relationship studies, as well as pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies.
• Immunomodulatory Adjuvant Development Service
  We first synthesize and optimize the α-GalCer derivatives and then evaluate the regulatory effects of the compounds on the immune system. This includes in vitro experiments using immune cells, mouse model experiments, evaluation of immune responses, and the use of gene expression analysis techniques (e.g., gene microarrays, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, etc.) to evaluate the regulation of immune-related gene expression by α-GalCer derivatives. Finally, we optimize the route of administration and dosage form of the adjuvant and conduct a safety evaluation.

Fig.1 Techniques utilized in the development of α-GalCer-derived adjuvants. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication Data

Technology: Antibody titer assay, cytokine assay, and immunophenotyping

Journal: ACS omega

IF: 4.1

Published: 2022

Results: This paper investigates the synthesis and immunological activity of a novel α-galactolipid analog. It was found that this compound was able to interact with invariant natural killer t cells (iNKT) cells in the immune system and stimulate the production of cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) by these cells. The binding ability of these analogs to CD1d ligands was quantitatively assessed by measuring IL-2 cytokine production. When immunized with tetravalent isolated influenza virus in BALB/c mice, novel tartaric acid analogs with longer oligoethylene glycol chain lengths induced significant levels of antibodies (IgG) and had a Th1-polarized immune response. Experimental results showed that α-GalCer derivatives with shorter chain lengths were able to stimulate cytokine production more strongly at higher concentrations, whereas derivatives with longer chain lengths were able to stimulate cytokine production more effectively at lower concentrations. In addition, these derivatives can induce an immune response, produce antibodies, and trigger a Th1-type immune response, which is important for fighting viruses and intracellular pathogens. Overall, this α-GalCer derivative has potential immunomodulatory activity.

Fig.2 Synthesis and immunological activity of novel oligo analogs of α-GalCer. (Pawar, et al., 2022)

Applications

• α-GalCer derivatives act as immune adjuvants and enhance the immune response by activating immune cells upon binding to antigens.
• α-GalCer derivatives can activate NK cells and T cells, prompting them to release cytotoxins and kill tumor cells, making them potentially applicable in tumor research.
• α-GalCer derivatives are used as vaccine adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines, and have been used in the development of vaccines for influenza, tuberculosis, and AIDS.

Advantages

• α-GalCer derivatives can bind to different types of antigens, including protein antigens, virus antigens, and tumor antigens. This makes them suitable for use in a variety of different types of vaccines.
• α-GalCer derivatives have the potential to be combined with various adjuvants, thereby enhancing the immunization effect and offering increased flexibility in your adjuvant development project.
• As naturally occurring molecules in living organisms, α-GalCer derivatives have low toxicity and immunogenicity.

CD BioGlyco specializes in delivering rapid, high-quality α-GalCer-derived adjuvant development services to clients worldwide. With our skilled teams of scientists, researchers, and technicians, we ensure fast turnaround times and competitive pricing for our valued clients. If you need more details, please feel free to contact us directly.