Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells
11:08

Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells

Published on: February 14, 2025

1.3K

Targeting Natural Killer T Cells in Solid Malignancies

Zewde Ingram1, Shriya Madan1, Jenoy Merchant1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Cells
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer T (NKT) cells link innate and adaptive immunity. Harnessing NKT cell functions offers promising strategies for enhancing cancer immunotherapy against solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct lymphocyte subset bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
  • NKT cells recognize lipid antigens via CD1d and rapidly release cytokines, influencing immune responses.
  • While NKT cells play roles in various diseases, their function in cancer is a key focus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review therapeutic strategies utilizing NKT cell effector functions against solid tumors.
  • To discuss challenges and emerging solutions for NKT cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
  • To highlight the potential of modulating NKT cell responses for enhanced cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on NKT cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting NKT cell effector functions.
  • Discussion of barriers and advancements in NKT cell utilization.

Main Results:

  • NKT cells mediate anti-tumor immunity both directly and indirectly.
  • Various therapeutic strategies aim to leverage NKT cell functions for cancer treatment.
  • Barriers exist, but effective strategies are being developed.

Conclusions:

  • Modulating NKT cell responses holds significant therapeutic potential in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Understanding NKT cell biology advances cancer treatment strategies.
  • NKT cells represent a powerful target for future cancer immunotherapies.
Keywords:
CD1dNKT cellscancer immunotherapy

More Related Videos

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells06:55

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells

Published on: February 22, 2020

19.0K
Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions08:17

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions

Published on: October 30, 2016

21.5K

Related Concept Videos

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
5.4K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
797
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
7.2K
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
6.6K