Invariant natural killer T cell-based immunotherapy for cancer

Abstract

Human Vα24 invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a distinct lymphocyte population, characterized by an invariant T-cell receptor Vα24 chain paired mainly with Vα11. Vα24 iNKT cells are activated by a glycolipid ligand – α-galactosylceramide – and produce a large amount of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, thereby modulating the function of other cells. iNKT cells have the capability to control a wide variety of immune responses, including antitumor immunity. Abnormalities in the number and function of Vα24 iNKT cells have been observed in patients with malignant diseases accompanied with a poor clinical outcome. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that focused on the restoration of Vα24 iNKT cell population and function would be a reasonable rationale for the treatment of cancer. In this article, the progress to date in the clinical studies of iNKT cell-based immunotherapy is briefly reviewed and the role of Vα24 iNKT cells in cancer immunotherapy is highlighted.