Glycolipid derivatives as therapeutic agents

Glycolipids are important components of mammalian cell membranes and play an important role as signal mediators in cellular biology. Recently, the glycolipid mediated biological pathways have been drawing researchers' attention. There has been a resurgence of interest in the signalling roles of glycolipid derivatives in the biochemical and biomedical research field. The design of glycolipid derivatives that block cell adhesion and regulate the immune response has highlighted potential therapeutic uses in the treatment of cancer, infection and other diseases originating in cell regulation disorder. This review summarises recent developments in the design of the four kinds of glycolipid related compounds (steroidal glycoside derivatives, glycosyl ceramide derivatives, glucosamine derivatives and glycero glycolipid derivatives) for therapeutic use.