Synthesis and human NKT cell stimulating properties of 3-O-sulfo-alpha/beta-galactosylceramides

Synthesis of the 3'-O-sulfated TF antigen with a TEG-N3 linker for glycodendrimersomes preparation to study lectin binding

The synthesis of gram quantities of the TF antigen (β-ᴅ-Gal-(1→3)-α-ᴅ-GalNAc) and its 3'-sulfated analogue with a TEG-N3 spacer attached is described. The synthesis of the TF antigen comprises seven steps, from a known N-Troc-protected galactosamine donor, with an overall yield of 31%. Both the spacer (85%) and the galactose moiety (79%) were introduced using thioglycoside donors in NIS/AgOTf-promoted glycosylation reactions. The 3'-sulfate was finally introduced through tin activation in benzene/DMF followed by treatment with a sulfur trioxide-trimethylamine complex in a 66% yield.

Glycoconjugates: Synthesis, Functional Studies, and Therapeutic Developments

Glycoconjugates are major constituents of mammalian cells that are formed via covalent conjugation of carbohydrates to other biomolecules like proteins and lipids and often expressed on the cell surfaces. Among the three major classes of glycoconjugates, proteoglycans and glycoproteins contain glycans linked to the protein backbone via amino acid residues such as Asn for N-linked glycans and Ser/Thr for O-linked glycans. In glycolipids, glycans are linked to a lipid component such as glycerol, polyisoprenyl pyrophosphate, fatty acid ester, or sphingolipid. Recently, glycoconjugates have become better structurally defined and biosynthetically understood, especially those associated with human diseases, and are accessible to new drug, diagnostic, and therapeutic developments. This review describes the status and new advances in the biological study and therapeutic applications of natural and synthetic glycoconjugates, including proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. The scope, limitations, and novel methodologies in the synthesis and clinical development of glycoconjugates including vaccines, glyco-remodeled antibodies, glycan-based adjuvants, glycan-specific receptor-mediated drug delivery platforms, etc., and their future prospectus are discussed.

Natural and synthetic carbohydrate-based vaccine adjuvants and their mechanisms of action

Modern subunit vaccines based on homogeneous antigens offer more precise targeting and improved safety compared with traditional whole-pathogen vaccines. However, they are also less immunogenic and require an adjuvant to increase the immunogenicity of the antigen and potentiate the immune response. Unfortunately, few adjuvants have sufficient potency and low enough toxicity for clinical use, highlighting the urgent need for new, potent and safe adjuvants. Notably, a number of natural and synthetic carbohydrate structures have been used as adjuvants in clinical trials, and two have recently been approved in human vaccines. However, naturally derived carbohydrate adjuvants are heterogeneous, difficult to obtain and, in some cases, unstable. In addition, their molecular mechanisms of action are generally not fully understood, partly owing to the lack of tools to elucidate their immune-potentiating effects, thus hampering the rational development of optimized adjuvants. To address these challenges, modification of the natural product structure using synthetic chemistry emerges as an attractive approach to develop well-defined, improved carbohydrate-containing adjuvants and chemical probes for mechanistic investigation. This Review describes selected examples of natural and synthetic carbohydrate-based adjuvants and their application in synthetic self-adjuvanting vaccines, while also discussing current understanding of their molecular mechanisms of action.

4"-O-Alkylated α-Galactosylceramide Analogues as iNKT-Cell Antigens: Synthetic, Biological, and Structural Studies

Invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) are a glycolipid-responsive subset of T-lymphocytes that fulfill a pivotal role in the immune system. The archetypical synthetic glycolipid, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), whose molecular framework is inspired by a group of amphiphilic natural products, remains the most studied antigen for iNKT-cells. Nonetheless, the potential of α-GalCer as an immunostimulating agent is compromised by the fact that this glycolipid elicits simultaneous secretion of Th1- and Th2-cytokines. This has incited medicinal chemistry efforts to identify analogues that are able to perturb the Th1/Th2 balance. In this work, we present the synthesis of an extensive set of 4"-O-alkylated α-GalCer analogues, which were evaluated in vivo for their cytokine induction. We have found that conversion of the 4"-OH group to ether moieties decreases the immunogenic potential in mice relative to α-GalCer. Yet, the benzyl-modified glycolipids are able to produce a distinct pro-inflammatory immune response. The crystal structures suggest an extra hydrophobic interaction between the benzyl moiety and the α2-helix of CD1d.

Novel thioglycoside analogs of α-galactosylceramide stimulate cytotoxicity and preferential Th1 cytokine production by human invariant natural killer T cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells recognize glycolipid antigens bound to CD1d molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Therapeutic activation of iNKT cells with the xenogeneic glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) can prevent and reverse tumor growth in murine models, but clinical trials using α-GalCer-stimulated human iNKT cells have shown limited efficacy. We synthesized a series of thioglycoside analogs of α-GalCer with different substituents to the galactose residue and found that two of these compounds, XZ7 and XZ11, bound to CD1d-transfected HeLa cells and activated lines of expanded human iNKT cells. Both compounds stimulated cytolytic degranulation by iNKT cells and while XZ7 preferentially stimulated the production of the antitumor cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), XZ11 preferentially stimulated interleukin-4 (IL-4) production. This biased T helper type 1 effector profile of XZ7 was also evident when iNKT were stimulated with dendritic cells presenting this glycolipid. Separate analysis of the responses of CD4+, CD8α+ and CD4-CD8- iNKT cells indicated that XZ7 preferentially activated CD8α+ iNKT cells, and to a lesser degree, CD4-CD8- iNKT cells. The partial agonist effect of glycolipid XZ7, inducing cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production but not IL-4 production, indicates that specific protumour activities of iNKT cells can be abolished, while preserving their antitumor activities, by introducing structural modifications to α-GalCer. Since XZ7 was much less potent than α-GalCer as an iNKT cell agonist, it is unlikely to be superior to α-GalCer as a therapeutic agent for cancer, but may serve as a parent compound for developing more potent structural analogs.

Efficient Divergent Synthesis of New Immunostimulant 4″-Modified α-Galactosylceramide Analogues

A synthesis strategy for the swift generation of 4″-modified α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) analogues is described, establishing a chemical platform to comprehensively investigate the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of this understudied glycolipid part. The strategy relies on a late-stage reductive ring-opening of a p-methoxybenzylidene (PMP) acetal to regioselectively liberate the 4″-OH position. The expediency of this methodology is demonstrated by the synthesis of a small yet diverse set of analogues, which were tested for their ability to stimulate invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) in vitro and in vivo. The introduction of a p-chlorobenzyl ether yielded an analogue with promising immunostimulating properties, paving the way for further SAR studies.

Antigen specificity of invariant natural killer T-cells

Natural killer T-cells, with an invariant T-cell antigen receptor α-chain (iNKT cells), are unique and conserved subset of lymphocytes capable of altering the immune system through their rapid and potent cytokine responses. They are reactive to lipid antigens presented by the CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that is not highly polymorphic. iNKT cell responses frequently involve mixtures of cytokines that work against each other, and therefore attempts are underway to develop synthetic antigens that elicit only strong interferon-gamma (IFNγ) or only strong interleukin-4 responses but not both. Strong IFNγ responses may correlate with tighter binding to CD1d and prolonged stimulation of iNKT cells, and this may be useful for vaccine adjuvants and for stimulating anti-tumor responses. iNKT cells are self-reactive although the structure of the endogenous antigen is controversial. By contrast, bacterial and fungal lipids that engage the T-cell receptor and activate IFNγ from iNKT cells have been identified from both pathogenic and commensal organisms and the responses are in some cases highly protective from pathogens in mice. It is possible that the expanding knowledge of iNKT cell antigens and iNKT cell activation will provide the basis for therapies for patients suffering from infectious and immune diseases and cancer.

Design and synthesis of galactose-6-OH-modified α-galactosyl ceramide analogues with Th2-biased immune responses

In this study, a simple type of O-6 analogue of KRN7000 was synthesized starting from galactosyl iodide and d-lyxose.

Stimulation of natural killer T cells by glycolipids

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of T cells that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the CD1d protein. The initial discovery of immunostimulatory glycolipids from a marine sponge and the T cells that respond to the compounds has led to extensive research by chemists and immunologists to understand how glycolipids are recognized, possible responses by NKT cells, and the structural features of glycolipids necessary for stimulatory activity. The presence of this cell type in humans and most mammals suggests that it plays critical roles in antigen recognition and the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Both endogenous and exogenous natural antigens for NKT cells have been identified, and it is likely that glycolipid antigens remain to be discovered. Multiple series of structurally varied glycolipids have been synthesized and tested for stimulatory activity. The structural features of glycolipids necessary for NKT cell stimulation are moderately well understood, and designed compounds have proven to be much more potent antigens than their natural counterparts. Nevertheless, control over NKT cell responses by designed glycolipids has not been optimized, and further research will be required to fully reveal the therapeutic potential of this cell type.

Raising the roof: the preferential pharmacological stimulation of Th1 and th2 responses mediated by NKT cells

Natural killer T (NKT) cells serve as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and manipulating their effector functions can have therapeutic significances in the treatment of autoimmunity, transplant biology, infectious disease, and cancer. NKT cells are a subset of T cells that express cell-surface markers characteristic of both natural killer cells and T cells. These unique immunologic cells have been demonstrated to serve as a link between the innate and adaptive immune systems through their potent cytokine production following the recognition of a range of lipid antigens, mediated through presentation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I like CD1d molecule, in addition to the NKT cell's cytotoxic capabilities upon activation. Although a number of glycolipid antigens have been shown to complex with CD1d molecules, most notably the marine sponge derived glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), there has been debate as to the identity of the endogenous activating lipid presented to the T-cell receptor (TCR) via the CD1d molecule on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This review aims to survey the use of pharmacological agents and subsequent structure-activity relationships (SAR) that have given insight into the binding interaction of glycolipids with both the CD1d molecules as well as the TCR and the subsequent immunologic response of NKT cells. These studies not only elucidate basic binding interactions but also pave the way for future pharmacological modulation of NKT cell responses.

Synthesis and evaluation of acyl-chain- and galactose-6''-modified analogues of α-GalCer for NKT cell activation

α-GalCer is an immunostimulating glycolipid that binds to CD1d molecules and activates invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Here we report a scaled-up synthesis of α-GalCer analogues with modifications in the acyl side chain and/or at the galactose 6''-position, together with their evaluation in vitro and in vivo. Analogues containing 11-phenylundecanoyl acyl side chains with aromatic substitutions (14, 16-21) and Gal-6''-phenylacetamide-substituted α-GalCer analogues bearing p-nitro- (32), p-tert-butyl (34), or o-, m-, or p-methyl groups (40-42) displayed higher IFN-γ/IL-4 secretion ratios than α-GalCer in vitro. In mice, compound 16, with an 11-(3,4-difluorophenyl)undecanoyl acyl chain, induced significant proliferation of NK and DC cells, which should be beneficial in killing tumors and priming the immune response. These new glycolipids might prove useful as adjuvants or anticancer agents.

Structure-activity relationship studies of novel glycosphingolipids that stimulate natural killer T-cells

KRN7000, an anticancer drug candidate developed by Kirin Brewery Co. in 1995, is an α-galactosyl ceramide. It is a ligand making a complex with CD1d protein, and it stimulates invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are one of the lineages of immunocytes. NKT cells activated by recognition of the CD1d/KRN7000 complex with its invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) can induce both protective and regulatory immune responses. To determine the recognition and activation mechanisms of NKT cells and to develop drug candidates more effective than KRN7000, a large number of analogs of KRN7000 have been synthesized. Some of them show potent bioactivities and have the potential of being utilized as therapeutic agents. In this review, structure-activity relationship studies of novel glycolipids which stimulate NKT cells efficiently are summarized.

Interplay between carbohydrate and lipid in recognition of glycolipid antigens by natural killer T cells

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a T cell subpopulation that were named originally based on coexpression of receptors found on natural killer (NK) cells, cells of the innate immune system, and by T lymphocytes. The maturation and activation of NKT cells requires presentation of glycolipid antigens by CD1d, a cell surface protein distantly related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded antigen presenting molecules. This specificity distinguishes NKT cells from most CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that recognize peptides presented by MHC class I and class II molecules. The rapid secretion of a large amount of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines by activated NKT cells endows them with the ability to play a vital role in the host immune defense against various microbial infections. In this review, we summarize progress on identifying the sources of microbe-derived glycolipid antigens recognized by NKT cells and the biochemical basis for their recognition.

Synthesis of amino core compounds of galactosyl phytosyl ceramide analogs for developing iNKT-cell inducers

1-Aminophytosphingosine and 6-aminogalactosyl phytosphingosine were prepared in 61% and 40% yield libraries with 44 carboxylic acids showed that a 4-butylbenzoic acid-derived product exe, respectively. Glycosylation using benzoyl-protected lipid resulted in better a-selectivity for ceramide analogs, but the yield was less than that obtained with benzyl moieties. Screening the amide rted less cytotoxicity. These analogs were purified for validation of immunological potencies and the a-GalCer analog but not the sphingosine analog stimulated human iNKT cell population.

3-fluoro- and 3,3-difluoro-3,4-dideoxy-KRN7000 analogues as new potent immunostimulator agents: total synthesis and biological evaluation in human invariant natural killer T cells and mice

We propose here the synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,4-dideoxy-GalCer derivatives. The absence of the 3- and 4-hydroxyls on the sphingoid base is combined with the introduction of mono or difluoro substituent at C3 (analogues 8 and 9, respectively) to evaluate their effect on the stability of the ternary CD1d/GalCer/TCR complex which strongly modulate the immune responses. Biological evaluations were performed in vitro on human cells and in vivo in mice and results discussed with support of modeling studies. The fluoro 3,4-dideoxy-GalCer analogues appears as partial agonists compared to KRN7000 for iNKT cell activation, inducing T(H)1 or T(H)2 biases that strongly depend of the mode of antigen presentation, including human vs mouse differences. We evidenced that if a sole fluorine atom is not able to balance the loss of the 3-OH, the presence of a difluorine group at C3 of the sphingosine can significantly restore human iNKT activation.

Divergent synthetic approach to 6''-modified α-GalCer analogues

A synthetic approach is presented for the synthesis of galacturonic acid and D-fucosyl modified KRN7000. The approach allows for late-stage functionalisation of both the sugar 6''-OH and the sphingosine amino groups, which enables convenient synthesis of promising 6''-modified KRN7000 analogues.

The total synthesis of immunostimulant α-galactosylceramides from naturally configured α-galactoside raffinose

The total synthesis of absolute anomeric confirmation α-galactosylceramide analogues from raffinose is described. Using the naturally occurring α-galactoside raffinose as the starting material, the easily maneuverable protocol without glycosylation reactions ensured the critical α-linkage in the product and simplified the synthetic procedures. The immunostimulatory activities of the new α-galactosylceramides were validated by both in vitro and in vivo NKT cell stimulation assays.

Activation of human invariant natural killer T cells with a thioglycoside analogue of α-galactosylceramide

Activation of CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells with the glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) confers protection against disease in murine models, however, clinical trials in humans have had limited impact. We synthesized a novel thioglycoside analogue of α-GalCer, denoted α-S-GalCer, and tested its efficacy for stimulating human iNKT cells in vitro. α-S-GalCer stimulated cytokine release by iNKT cells in a CD1d-dependent manner and primed CD1d(+) target cells for lysis. α-S-GalCer-stimulated iNKT cells induced maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells into antigen-presenting cells that released IL-12 and small amounts of IL-10. The nature and potency of α-S-GalCer and α-GalCer in human iNKT cell activation were similar. However, in contrast to α-GalCer, α-S-GalCer did not activate murine iNKT cells in vivo. Because of its enhanced stability in biological systems, α-S-GalCer may be superior to α-GalCer as a parent compound for developing adjuvant therapies for humans.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: an update for the period 2005-2006

This review is the fourth update of the original review, published in 1999, on the application of MALDI mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2006. The review covers fundamental studies, fragmentation of carbohydrate ions, method developments, and applications of the technique to the analysis of different types of carbohydrate. Specific compound classes that are covered include carbohydrate polymers from plants, N- and O-linked glycans from glycoproteins, glycated proteins, glycolipids from bacteria, glycosides, and various other natural products. There is a short section on the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the study of enzymes involved in glycan processing, a section on industrial processes, particularly the development of biopharmaceuticals and a section on the use of MALDI-MS to monitor products of chemical synthesis of carbohydrates. Large carbohydrate-protein complexes and glycodendrimers are highlighted in this final section.

Clinical development of a novel CD1d-binding NKT cell ligand as a vaccine adjuvant

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are known to play a role against certain microbial infections, including malaria and HIV, two major global infectious diseases. Strategies that can harness and amplify the immunotherapeutic potential of NKT cells can serve as powerful tools in the fight against such diseases. 7DW8-5, a novel glycolipid, may be one such tool. The interaction of 7DW8-5 with CD1d molecules induces activation of NKT cells, thereby activating various immune-competent cells including dendritic cells (DCs) to provide a significant adjuvant effect for several vaccines. This review discusses the discovery and characterization of 7DW8-5 and the practical considerations of its preclinical and clinical development as a potential glycolipid adjuvant for candidate malaria and HIV vaccines.

Syntheses and biological activities of KRN7000 analogues having aromatic residues in the acyl and backbone chains with varying stereochemistry

KRN7000 is an important ligand identified for CD1d protein of APC, and KRN7000/CD1d complex can stimulate NKT cells to release a broad range of bioactive cytokines. In an effort to understand the structure-activity relationships, we have carried out syntheses of 26 new KRN7000 analogues incorporating aromatic residues in either or both side chains. Structural variations of the phytosphingosine moiety also include varying stereochemistry at C3 and C4, and 4-deoxy and 3,4-dideoxy versions. Their biological activities are described.

The synthesis and in vivo evaluation of 2',2'-difluoro KRN7000

The synthesis of 2',2'-difluoro KRN7000 is described. In vivo evaluation demonstrates that this fluorinated glycolipid induces CD1d-dependent TCR activation of NKT cells, with a bias towards Th2 cytokine production.

Synthesis of all stereoisomers of KRN7000, the CD1d-binding NKT cell ligand

KRN7000 is an important ligand identified for CD1d protein of APC, and KRN7000/CD1d complex can stimulate NKT cells to release Th1 and Th2 cytokines. In an effort to understand the structure-activity relationships, we have carried out the synthesis of a complete set of the eight KRN7000 stereoisomers, and their biological activities have been examined.

Glycolipids as immunostimulating agents

The processing and presentation of lipid antigens by antigen presenting cells (APC) is important for defense against infection, tumor immunosurveillance, and autoimmunity. CD1, a family of cell surface glycoproteins, is responsible for the binding and presentation of lipid antigens to receptors expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes. Among the several (glyco)lipids identified to cause T-cell stimulation in complex with CD1, alpha-galactosyl ceramide (alpha-GalCer) is one of the most well studied. A combination of structure-activity relationship (SAR), crystallographic studies, and discovery of new 'natural' antigens has led to greater understanding of the structural requirements for optimal natural killer T-cell activation.

Potent immune-modulating and anticancer effects of NKT cell stimulatory glycolipids

Alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), a glycolipid that stimulates natural killer T (NKT) cells to produce both T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines, has shown antitumor effects in mice but failed in clinical trials. We evaluated 16 analogs of alpha-GalCer for their CD1-mediated T cell receptor (TCR) activation of naïve human NKT cells and their anticancer efficacy. In vitro, glycolipids containing an aromatic ring in their acyl tail or sphingosine tail were more effective than alpha-GalCer in inducing Th1 cytokines/chemokines, TCR activation, and human NKT cell expansion. None of these glycolipids could directly stimulate human dendritic cell maturation, except for a glycolipid with an aromatic ring on the sphingosine tail. Here, we show that glycolipids activated the TCR of NKT cells with phosphorylation of CD3epsilon, ERK1/2, or CREB, which correlated with their induction of Th1 cytokines. Notably, the extent of NKT cell activation when glycolipid was presented by antigen-presenting cells was greater than when glycolipid was presented by non-antigen-presenting cells. In vivo, in mice bearing breast or lung cancers, the glycolipids that induced more Th1-biased cytokines and CD8/CD4 T cells displayed significantly greater anticancer potency than alpha-GalCer. These findings indicate that alpha-GalCer analogs can be designed to favor Th1-biased immunity, with greater anticancer efficacy and other immune-enhancing activities than alpha-GalCer itself.

Synthesis and evaluation of human T cell stimulating activity of an alpha-sulfatide analogue

A concise synthesis of alpha-sulfatide 1, an analogue of natural glycolipid antigens with potential anti-tumor activity, was performed. Two different approaches to the alpha-glycosidic bond were explored, resulting in a high yield and excellent stereoselectivity. Compound 1 combines the structural features of sulfated beta-GalCer (sulfatide) and alpha-GalCer, which activate specific T cells. alpha-Sulfatide 1 was stimulatory for CD1d-restricted semi-invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell clones, although less potent than alpha-GalCer, while it was not recognized by CD1a-restricted sulfatide-specific T cells.

Recent advances in the glycosylation of sphingosines and ceramides

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous components of eukaryotic cell membranes. They are highly bioactive and are involved in many aspects of cell signalling like cell-cell interaction, cell-substratum interaction and cell-pathogen interaction. GSLs also are involved in the modulation of signal transduction, resulting in regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. The biological importance and complexity of these compounds afford many opportunities to prepare synthetic analogues for studies of their metabolism in intra- and intercellular processes. This review focuses on recent contributions in the synthesis of GSLs, highlighting improvements in glycosylation reactions leading to alpha and beta glycosyl sphingosines and ceramides and related compounds. Literature from 2000 to the present is covered. The glycosylation reactions leading to the synthesis of GSLs are classified in function of the configuration of the created glycosidic bond (alpha or beta) and of the acceptor used, either azido-sphingosine or ceramide.

Synthesis of the tetrasaccharide residue of clarhamnoside, a novel glycosphingolipid isolated from the marine sponge Agelas clathrodes

A tetrasaccharide, alpha-l-Rhap-(1-->3)-beta-d-GalpNAc-(1-->6)-alpha-d-Galp-(1-->2)-alpha-d-Galp, the carbohydrate moiety of clarhamnoside isolated from the marine sponge Agelas clathrodes, was synthesized as its propyl glycoside via a convergent approach. The key steps to the synthetic strategy were the stereoselective construction of the reducing-end disaccharide alpha-d-Galp-(1-->2)-d-Galp (5) and efficient coupling with the terminal disaccharide alpha-l-Rhap-(1-->3)-d-GalpNAc building block, in which the N-phthalimido-protected trifluoroacetimidate 13 was proved to be an effective donor.