Glycolipids as host resistance stimulators

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00164a062

6-(5-Cholesten-3β-yloxy)hexyl 1-thio-β-D-mannopyranoside (L-644,257) enhances natural host resistance in cyclophosphamide-treated mice against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner. It is active sc, im, and ip but not orally. L-644,257 is substantially more protective against P. aeruginosa than its α anomer. The β-L-fucose glycolipid is more effective when given im and ip than sc. The lactose and β-D-glucose glycolipids were only marginally effective to nonprotective. The 17β-steroidal side chain of L-644,257 can be modified without substantial loss of protective activity.