aAVC-WT1

aAVC-WT1 is an artificial Adjuvant Vector Cell (aAVC) therapy targeting the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) protein, developed by RIKEN and licensed to BrightPath Biotherapeutics (as BP1209). The therapy consists of allogeneic cells transfected with mRNA encoding the WT1 antigen and loaded with the glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). Upon administration, α-GalCer is presented by CD1d molecules on the aAVC surface, leading to the potent activation of invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells. This innate immune activation triggers the maturation of the patient's endogenous dendritic cells, which then present WT1 epitopes to prime and expand WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and memory T cells. This dual mechanism—combining innate NKT cell activation with adaptive T cell responses—is designed to provide a more robust and durable anti-tumor effect compared to traditional peptide or dendritic cell vaccines. It is primarily being investigated for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other WT1-positive malignancies.

Other names

artificial Adjuvant Vector Cells expressing WT1