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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Current Developments in the Preclinical and Clinical use of Natural Killer T cells
Christina Kratzmeier1, Sasha Singh1, Emmanuel B Asiedu1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
Abstract:
Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a pivotal role as a bridge between the innate and the adaptive immune response and are instrumental in the regulation of homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the potential for NKT cells to serve as biodrugs in viral infections and in cancer. NKT cells are being investigated for their use as a prognostic biomarker, an immune adjuvant, and as a form of cellular therapy. Historically, the clinical utility of NKT cells was hampered by their low frequency in the blood, discrepancies in nomenclature, and challenges with ex vivo expansion. However, recent advances in the field have permitted the development of several NKT cell-based preclinical and clinical strategies. These new developments pave the way for the successful implementation of NKT cell-based approaches for the treatment of human disease.
Insights
Natural killer T (NKT) cells bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Advances now enable NKT cell therapies for viral infections, cancer, and immune regulation, overcoming past limitations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Therapy
- Biodrug Development
Background:
- Natural killer T (NKT) cells are crucial immune regulators linking innate and adaptive immunity.
- NKT cells are explored for roles in homeostasis, viral infections, and cancer immunotherapy.
- Historically, challenges like low frequency and expansion difficulties limited NKT cell clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of NKT cells as biodrugs for viral infections and cancer.
- To discuss NKT cell applications as prognostic biomarkers, immune adjuvants, and cellular therapies.
- To highlight recent advances enabling NKT cell-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on NKT cell biology and therapeutic applications.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical strategies involving NKT cells.
- Discussion of historical challenges and recent breakthroughs in NKT cell expansion and utilization.
Main Results:
- NKT cells show promise as versatile therapeutic agents.
- Recent advancements address previous limitations in NKT cell frequency and expansion.
- Development of multiple NKT cell-based preclinical and clinical strategies is underway.
Conclusions:
- NKT cell-based therapies offer significant potential for treating human diseases, including viral infections and cancer.
- Overcoming historical challenges has paved the way for successful clinical implementation.
- NKT cells are emerging as key players in advanced immunotherapy and disease management.
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