A novel lipidic peptide with potential to promote balanced effector-regulatory T cell responses

T cell-dendritic cell (DC) interactions contribute to reciprocal stimulation leading to DC maturation that results in production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Both cytokines have been implicated in autoimmune diseases while being necessary for effective immune responses against foreign antigens. We describe a lipidic peptide, designated IK14004, that modifies crosstalk between T cells and DCs resulting in suppression of IL-12p40/IFN-γ production. T cell production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFN-γ is uncoupled and IL-12p70 production is enhanced. IK14004 induces expression of activating co-receptors in CD8+ T cells and increases the proportion of Foxp3-expressing CD4+ T regulatory cells. The potential for IK14004 to impact on signalling pathways required to achieve a balanced immune response upon stimulation of DCs and T cells is highlighted. This novel compound provides an opportunity to gain further insights into the complexity of T cell-DC interactions relevant to autoimmunity associated with malignancies and may have therapeutic benefit.