untransduced invariant natural killer T cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes exhibiting characteristics of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. They express a semi-invariant T cell receptor (TCR; Vα24-Jα18 in humans) that recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d, a monomorphic MHC class I-like molecule. Unlike genetically engineered (e.g., CAR- or TCR-modified) iNKT cells, untransduced iNKT cells are native or expanded ex vivo but not genetically modified. When used as adoptive cell immunotherapy, untransduced iNKT cells are administered to patients to exert direct cytotoxicity against CD1d-expressing tumor cells, regulate the tumor microenvironment by depleting immunosuppressive myeloid cells, and secrete a broad array of cytokines, thus orchestrating a multi-modal anti-tumor immune response. These cells are naturally devoid of alloreactivity due to CD1d restriction, permitting allogeneic use with reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease. Their use in both autologous and allogeneic settings has shown a favorable safety profile in early-phase clinical studies for various cancers, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies[1][2][3][4].

Other names

untransduced iNKT cellsunmodified iNKT cellswild-type iNKT cellsautologous iNKT cellsallogeneic iNKT cells