Invariant NKT cell activation induces neutrophil accumulation and hepatitis: Opposite regulation by IL‐4 and IFN‐γ
Hua Wang, Dechun Feng, Ogyi Park, Shi Yin, Bin Gao – 17 May 2013 – Alpha‐Galactosylceramide (α‐Galcer), a specific agonist for invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of viral hepatitis and liver cancer. However, the results from α‐Galcer treatment are mixed, partially because of the variety of cytokines produced by activated iNKT cells that have an unknown synergistic effect on the progression of liver disease.