Rational Design and Evaluation of a Branched‐Chain‐Containing Glycolipid Antigen That Binds to CD1d

Abstract

Circumnavigating or clamping: CD1 molecules recognize glycolipid antigens with a straight alkyl chain moiety. Owing to the presence of the central pole in the A′ pocket of the CD1 binding groove, the straight alkyl chain of antigens circles around the pole like a hook. To determine whether CD1 molecules are capable of recognizing structurally dissimilar ligands, we have designed and evaluated branched-chain-containing glycolipid derivatives of the prototypical CD1d ligand α-GalCer.