Generation of iPSC-Derived iNKT Cells with Pro-Hematopoietic Activity.

ABSTRACT: Human invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved population of innate-like T cells that are activated by glycolipid antigens. In addition to their well-known role in anti-tumor function, iNKT cells are also involved in regulating and maintaining hematopoiesis in the bone marrow. Here, we present the reprogramming of human CD4⁺Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ iNKT cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iNKT-iPSCs) and describe a novel chemically defined, feeder-free 3D spheroid method for generating CD34⁺ cells from iNKT-iPSCs, followed by their re-differentiation into functional Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ iNKT cells (i-iNKT) with pro-hematopoietic activity. The i-iNKT cells showed specific binding to CD1d tetramers loaded with the lipid antigen

SUBMITTER: Kumar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858510 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature