However, most of the recent vaccines are comprised of highly purified synthetic macromolecules, such as peptides or recombinant DNA produced by genetic engineering technology. Stimulation of an immune response by using attenuated or inactivated biological agents has been the traditional basis for vaccination against viral and bacterial infections.

In an experimental model of melanoma, vaccination of C57BL/6 mice with β-SQDG18-adjuvanted hgp10 peptide elicited a protective response with a reduction in tumour growth and increase in survival. Mice immunized with OVA associated to β-SQDG18 (1:500) produced a titer of anti-OVA Ig comparable to traditional adjuvants. β-SQDG18 induces maturation of DC with the upregulation of MHC II molecules and co-stimulatory proteins (CD83, CD86), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and INF-γ). Here we report a novel immunomodulatory sulfolipid named β-SQDG18 that prototypes a class of natural-derived glycolipids able to prime human DCs by a TLR2/TLR4-independent mechanism and trigger an efficient immune response in vivo.

As such, the ability to activate DCs is considered a key tool to enhance the efficacy and quality of vaccination.

Dendritic Cells (DCs) recognize infectious non-self molecules and engage the adaptive immune system thereby initiating long lasting, antigen-specific responses.

Graphpad prism 4.00 software