Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Immune Surveillance and Tumor Immunotherapy: Perspectives and Potentials

Although various elements of the immune system are involved in detection and elimination of neoplastic cells, immune surveillance mechanisms are not always successful in eradicating cancer. Invariant natural killer T cells are potent immunomodulatory lymphocytes that secrete large amounts of Th-1 and/or Th-2 cytokines in response to glycolipid agonists. The observed role of invariant natural killer T cells in antitumor immunity in various animal models and the relatively recent identification and availability of Invariant natural killer T cell glycolipid ligands with anticancer properties such as α-galactosylceramide have led to several invariant natural killer T cell-based clinical trials in cancer patients with somewhat promising outcomes. The objective of this article is to provide a short overview on immunobiology of invariant natural killer T cells followed by their potential applications in treatment of cancer.