Abstract: The present invention relates to modified cancer cell lines, wherein the ST3Gal1 glycosyltransferase expression is reduced or inhibited. The use of the modified cancer cell lines with suppressed ST3Gal1 glycosyltransferase to screen a potential cancer therapeutic is provided. The suppression of ST3Gal1 glycosyltransferase expression, with or without an anti-cancer agent is also provided to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The invention further comprises improved process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I), and the use of compound of formula (I) to induce a specific immune response or to treat an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to synthetic alpha-galactosyl ceramide (?-GalCer) analogs, and their use as immunotherapies. In one aspect. a method of activating a cytokine response in a subject includes administering an effective amount of a compound to a subject, wherein the subject has an adaptive immune system that includes a population of cells, the population including at least one lymphocyte and at least one antigen-presenting cell, and wherein the compound is represented by the structure of formula 1: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; forming a complex between the compound and the antigen-presenting cell, wherein the formation of the complex results in the activation of a receptor on the lymphocyte; and activating the lymphocyte to produce the cytokine response.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to synthetic alpha-galactosyl ceramide (?-GalCer) analogs, and their use as immunotherapies. In one aspect. a method of activating a cytokine response in a subject includes administering an effective amount of a compound to a subject, wherein the subject has an adaptive immune system that includes a population of cells, the population including at least one lymphocyte and at least one antigen-presenting cell, and wherein the compound is represented by the structure of formula 1: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; forming a complex between the compound and the antigen-presenting cell, wherein the formation of the complex results in the activation of a receptor on the lymphocyte; and activating the lymphocyte to produce the cytokine response.