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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
NKT cell-targeted vaccination plus anti-4-1BB antibody generates persistent CD8 T cell immunity against B cell
Takumi Kobayashi1, Brianna L Doff1, Rory C Rearden1
1The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute; The University of Queensland; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane ; Queensland, Australia.
Harnessing the immune adjuvant properties of natural killer T (NKT) cells is an effective strategy to generate anticancer immunity. The objective of this study was to increase the potency and durability of vaccine-induced immunity against B cell lymphoma by combining α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-loaded tumor cell vaccination with an agonistic antibody targeting the immune checkpoint molecule 4-1BB (CD137). We observed potent synergy when combining vaccination and anti-4-1BB antibody treatment resulting in significantly enhanced survival of mice harboring Eμ-myc tumors, including complete eradication of lymphoma in over 50% of mice. Tumor-free survival required interferon γ (IFNγ)-dependent expansion of CD8+ T cells and was associated with 4-1BB-mediated differentiation of KLRG1+ effector CD8+ T cells. 'Cured' mice were also resistant to lymphoma re-challenge 80 days later indicating successful generation of immunological memory. Overall, our results demonstrate that therapeutic anticancer vaccination against B cell lymphoma using an NKT cell ligand can be boosted by subsequent co-stimulation through 4-1BB leading to a sustainable immune response that may enhance outcomes to conventional treatment.
Harnessing the immune adjuvant properties of natural killer T (NKT) cells is an effective strategy to generate anticancer immunity. The objective of this study was to increase the potency and durability of vaccine-induced immunity against B cell lymphoma by combining α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-loaded tumor cell vaccination with an agonistic antibody targeting the immune checkpoint molecule 4-1BB (CD137). We observed potent synergy when combining vaccination and anti-4-1BB antibody treatment resulting in significantly enhanced survival of mice harboring Eμ-myc tumors, including complete eradication of lymphoma in over 50% of mice. Tumor-free survival required interferon γ (IFNγ)-dependent expansion of CD8+ T cells and was associated with 4-1BB-mediated differentiation of KLRG1+ effector CD8+ T cells. 'Cured' mice were also resistant to lymphoma re-challenge 80 days later indicating successful generation of immunological memory. Overall, our results demonstrate that therapeutic anticancer vaccination against B cell lymphoma using an NKT cell ligand can be boosted by subsequent co-stimulation through 4-1BB leading to a sustainable immune response that may enhance outcomes to conventional treatment.
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