allogeneic invariant natural killer T cells (Shanghai General Hospital)

Allogeneic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are an investigational cell therapy being developed by Shanghai General Hospital for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. iNKT cells are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that express a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) capable of recognizing lipid antigens presented by the MHC class I-like molecule CD1d. Unlike conventional T cells, iNKT cells do not require HLA matching, which facilitates their development as an "off-the-shelf" allogeneic product. Upon activation, these cells exert direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and rapidly secrete cytokines that recruit and activate other immune effectors, such as natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, thereby modulating the tumor microenvironment. The therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials to determine safety, tolerability, and the maximum tolerated dose in patients with advanced malignancies who have exhausted standard treatment options.

Other names

allogeneic iNKT cell infusionallogeneic iNKT cells