Vα14 NKT cell-mediated anti-tumor responses and their clinical application

A unique lymphocyte population, Vα14 NKT cells, has recently been revealed to be a key player in the immune responses against tumors. Activation of Vα14 NKT cells affects various cell types, particularly dendritic cells (DCs), NK cells, CD4 Th1 cells, and CD8 cytotoxic T cells in the innate and acquired immune systems, eventually resulting in the enhanced activation of NKT cell-mediated cellular cascade in the anti-tumor responses. The specific ligand, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), effectively stimulates mouse and human NKT cells, making NKT cells an ideal target for the development of cancer immunotherapy. Clinical trials using α-GalCer have actually started in several centers in the world. In this review, we summarize the Vα14 NKT cell-mediated cellular cascade in the anti-tumor response in mice and discuss potential clinical applications of α-GalCer-pulsed DC therapy.