CD1-mediaied antigen presentation of glycosphingolipids

CD1 proteins are distinguished by their ability to present lipid antigens t o T cells. Group II CD1 or CD1d molecules are recognized by the specialized NK T-cell subset, and this reactivity call be greatly augmented by alpha-g alactosylceramide, a glycosphingolipid derived from a marine sponge. Human CD1b, which is only distantly related to the CD1d molecules, can present ma mmalian glycosphingolipids (gangliosides) to autoreactive T-cell clones der ived from multiple sclerosis patients. Thus, CD1 responsive and glycosphing olipid-reactive cells may play an important immune regulatory role, in addi tion to their well-characterized role in the response to microbial lipids. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.