Abstract iNKT cells are a special type of T cell that acts as a link between the innate and
adaptive immune systems, with the capacity to stimulate a wide range of cell types. The
glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (αGC) is a robust agonist of iNKT cells and induces the
secretion of Th1-and Th2-type cytokines. αGC and its analogs are widely used as adjuvants
to enhance immune responses against viral, parasitic, and bacterial pathogens. This review
first discusses the challenges of using free αGC as a vaccine adjuvant to treat infectious …