Figure 2.

Multiple opportunities exist for innovations in iNKT-based cancer immunotherapy. Development of synthetic glycolipids that promote Th1 cytokine production by iNKT cells and the use of these agonists, including α-GalCer, as powerful adjuvants in cancer vaccines. Combinatorial approaches of iNKT stimulation with standard chemo-/radiotherapy or novel therapies that target other immune cells may result in synergistic effects. Blocking the activation of regulatory iNKT cells will be beneficial in tumors where regulatory iNKT cells play a key suppressor role. Optimization of protocols for ex vivo loading and maturation of autologous DCs will ensure consistent and reliable stimulation of iNKT cells in vivo. CD1d-expressing tumor cells can also be used as source of iNKT-stimulating APCs.