BP1209

BP1209 is an investigational, allogeneic cell therapy consisting of natural killer T (NKT) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Developed through a collaboration between BrightPath Biotherapeutics, Kyoto University, and Chiba University, BP1209 represents a standardized, "off-the-shelf" approach to immunotherapy. NKT cells are a unique subset of lymphocytes that express both a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) and NK cell markers, allowing them to recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC class I-like molecule, CD1d. Upon activation, these iPSC-derived NKT cells exert direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells through the release of perforin and granzymes and secrete high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, most notably interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This cytokine release orchestrates a broader anti-tumor immune response by activating endogenous NK cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. BP1209 is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Other names

induced pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer t cellsiPSC-derived NKT cellsiPSC-NKT