stromal-CAR-iNKT

stromal-CAR-iNKT is an experimental adoptive cell therapy utilizing invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to target the tumor stroma, specifically Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP). Developed primarily by researchers at the University of North Carolina, this approach addresses the challenge of the immunosuppressive and physically restrictive tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. Unlike conventional CAR-T cells, iNKT cells do not cause graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and can be used in an allogeneic off-the-shelf manner. They also possess innate-like properties, recognizing glycolipids presented by CD1d, which allows them to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. By targeting FAP-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), stromal-CAR-iNKT cells aim to degrade the stromal barrier, reduce immunosuppression, and enhance the infiltration of other immune cells into the tumor.

Other names

FAP-CAR-iNKTFAP-targeting CAR-iNKT cells