['Stimulation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells with SGL-S23, a novel synthetic glycolipid analog of alpha-galactosylceramide with an elongated sphingosine chain, has been shown to strongly suppress K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of SGL-S23 in an effector phase of arthritis.', 'To induce arthritis, C57BL/6 mice were injected with 150 mul of serum from K/BxN mice (KRN TCR-transgenic mice crossed with nonobese diabetic mice). Subsequently, synthetic glycolipid ligands were administered intraperitoneally twice, either 3 times starting on day 0 (the day of K/BxN serum injection) or twice starting on day 3. Neutralizing antibody against interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, or transforming growth factor beta was administered 4 hours before injection of SGL-S23. Recombinant IFNgamma was administered subcutaneously every day. The severity of arthritis was monitored using a macroscopic scoring system. Cytokine production and plasma histamine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.', 'SGL-S23 strongly suppressed K/BxN serum transfer arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and subsequent destruction of cartilage and bone. The inhibitory effect mediated by SGL-S23 was abolished by neutralization of IFNgamma. Systemic administration of IFNgamma prevented the development of inflammatory arthritis. Histamine release was suppressed by administration of SGL-S23 or IFNgamma. Degranulated mast cells in the synovium were significantly reduced in SGL-S23-treated mice, suggesting that suppression of mast cell activation contributed to the inhibition of arthritis.'] Does activation of invariant natural killer T cells by synthetic glycolipid ligands suppress autoantibody-induced arthritis?