α-Galactosyl Ceramide (α-GalCer) is an artificial glycolipid which has been developed based on the sphingolipid extracted from the sea sponge, Agelas mauritianus.^1,2,3) Work conducted by Prof. Taniguchi demonstrated that α-GalCer forms a complex with the CD1d antigen present on cell surfaces.^4,5) This complexing results in strong NKT (Natural Killer T) cell activation causing high levels of cytokine production. The NKT cells bare features of both of NK cells and T cells.^6,7)

Since α-GalCer is related to immune functions, it is used in disease research on cancer, atopic dermatitis and asthma and also is used as an adjuvant for experiment and research. Moreover, a synthetic intermediate ofα-GalCer is required in synthetic research of analogs containing different functional groups such as unsaturation and aromatic groups on the ceramide moiety which can increase biological activity of α-GalCer.⁸⁾

TCI can provide large amount of α-GalCer and its intermediates synthesized in our facilities. Additionally, we can offer highly pure α-GalCer for use as a standard and other applications.