CAR19-iNKT cells

CAR19-iNKT cells are a novel, genetically engineered cell therapy platform in which human invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) are modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD19. Unlike conventional CAR-T cell therapies, CAR19-iNKT cells leverage the unique properties of iNKT cells—including their ability to recognize glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d, their potential for potent antitumor activity, superior tumor infiltration (including brain tumors), and the ability to be used as a universal "off-the-shelf" product due to lack of alloreactivity and GvHD risk. CAR19-iNKT cells attack malignant B cells via anti-CD19 CAR, while also retaining responsiveness to glycolipid antigens (e.g., αGalCer) and targeting CD1d+ tumor-associated macrophages and MDSCs. Preclinical studies led by researchers at Imperial College London demonstrate robust antitumor effects against lymphoma, including models of brain involvement, with efficacy superior to conventional CAR-T cell therapy. This platform is under early-stage clinical development as a therapy for B cell malignancies, particularly lymphoma and potentially chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and may be applicable to other cancers with CD19 or CD1d expression[1][2][3][5].