B7-H3-targeted CAR-iNKT cells

CAR-iNKT cells (B7-H3 targeted) are an investigational cell therapy consisting of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for the tumor-associated antigen B7-H3 (CD276). Developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, these cells leverage the unique properties of iNKT cells, which possess a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes lipid antigens presented by CD1d. Unlike conventional T cells, iNKT cells do not cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic settings, enabling their use as an "off-the-shelf" therapy without the need for TCR or MHC gene editing. The B7-H3 CAR construct allows these cells to specifically target and eliminate B7-H3-expressing malignant cells and immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies in canine models of refractory osteosarcoma have demonstrated that these cells are safe, persistent, and capable of inducing measurable biological activity and tumor responses.