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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Invariant Natural Killer T Cell (iNKT cell)
- Target
- iNKT cell
- Molecular classification
- Lymphocyte, T cell subset, Innate lymphoid cell
01
Overview
Invariant natural killer T-cells are a conserved population across mammals that play critical roles at the interface between innate sensing and adaptive immunity. Their unique recognition mechanism via invariant receptors targeting lipid antigens on CD1d allows them to respond rapidly with diverse effector functions—including both pro-inflammatory/cytotoxic actions as well as regulatory roles—making them central players during early immune responses against pathogens or tumors while also contributing to tissue homeostasis or inflammation depending on context.
- Other names
- Type I NKT cellClassical NKT cell
02
Mechanism of action
Activation of iNKT cells via CD1d-presented glycolipid antigens, leading to cytokine secretion and cytotoxic activity.
03
Biological functions
Immune responseCytokine productionCytotoxicityBridging innate and adaptive immunityActivation of NK cellsModulation of dendritic cell cross-presentationB cell help/activationMacrophage activation
04
Disease associations
CancerAutoimmunityInfectionMetabolic disease
05
Safety considerations
Potential for cytokine stormOff-target effects due to broad immune modulationUnpredictable responses in autoimmune settings
06
Interacting drugs
alpha-galactosylceramide (αGalCer)
07
Biomarkers
Vα24-Jα18 + Vβ11 (human)Vα14-Jα18 (mouse)
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