Target intelligence / Profile preview

Type I Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Activity (iNKT)

Target: iNKT
Molecular classification: Lymphocyte, T cell, Innate lymphoid cell

Overview

Type I invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. They are characterized by a semi-invariant T cell receptor (TCR) and their ability to recognize lipid antigens presented by the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule. Upon activation, iNKT cells rapidly secrete large amounts of cytokines and chemokines, influencing various immune cells and exhibiting direct cytotoxicity against tumor targets. Functional subsets exist, including iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 cells, each with distinct cytokine profiles. iNKT cells are implicated in various physiological contexts, including chronic inflammation, tumor immunity, tolerance induction, autoimmunity, and infection.

Other names: Type 1 iNKT cellsClassical NKT cellsVα24-Jα18 NKT cells (human)Vα14-Jα18 NKT cells (mouse)

Mechanism of action

Agonist of iNKT cells via CD1d presentation.

Biological functions

Immune responseCytokine productionImmunomodulationAntigen presentationCytotoxicityActivation of NK cellsActivation of T cellsActivation of B cellsModulation of dendritic cell functionActivation of macrophages

Disease associations

Chronic inflammationFibrosisTumor immunityTolerance inductionAutoimmunityInfection

Safety considerations

Potential for cytokine storm upon excessive activationRisk of autoimmunity or immune-related adverse eventsComplex and context-dependent effects on immune responses

Interacting drugs

Alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)

Biomarkers

Circulating iNKT cell levelsiNKT cell subset composition (iNKT1, iNKT2, iNKT17)Cytokine profiles (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17)Expression of PLZF, T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Type I Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Activity (iNKT).

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Type I Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Activity (iNKT).

Explore the full profile