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Generation of iPSC-Derived iNKT Cells with Pro-Hematopoietic Activity
Akhilesh Kumar1, Sarah Ferguson2, Saritha S D'Souza1
1Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53712, USA.
Stem Cell Reviews and Reports
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Researchers reprogrammed human invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These iNKT-iPSCs were differentiated into functional iNKT cells that promote bone marrow hematopoiesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Hematopoiesis
Background:
- Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T cells crucial for immune responses and hematopoiesis.
- Current limitations exist in obtaining sufficient functional iNKT cells for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reprogram human CD4+Vα24+Vβ11+ iNKT cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iNKT-iPSCs).
- To develop a method for generating functional iNKT cells from iNKT-iPSCs with pro-hematopoietic activity.
Main Methods:
- Reprogramming of human CD4+Vα24+Vβ11+ iNKT cells into iNKT-iPSCs.
- A chemically defined, feeder-free 3D spheroid method for generating CD34+ cells from iNKT-iPSCs.
- Re-differentiation of CD34+ cells into functional Vα24+Vβ11+ iNKT cells (i-iNKT).
Main Results:
- Generated iNKT-iPSCs and successfully differentiated them into i-iNKT cells.
- i-iNKT cells exhibited specific binding to CD1d tetramers and a similar transcription profile to somatic iNKT cells.
- i-iNKT cells produced hematopoietic cytokines and promoted myeloid progenitor expansion and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of generating functional iNKT cells from iPSCs.
- These i-iNKT cells possess pro-hematopoietic activity, enhancing myeloid progenitor development.
- Suggests potential for using iPSCs as an 'off-the-shelf' source of iNKT cells to support hematopoiesis post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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