Galactosyl ceramide is also known as galactocerebroside and is produced in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Galactosyl ceramide is a vaccine adjuvant, it stimulates natural killer T (NKT) cells to increase secretion of T helper type 1 (Th1) and T-helper type 2 (TH2) cytokines. Galactosyl ceramide accumulation in excess is responsible for diseases such as Krabbeμs disease. Galactocerebroside is a precursor of 3μ-sulfo-galactosylceramide, a vital sulfoglycolipid found in the brain and other organs.
