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SUMMARY:Understanding &amp\; Exploiting the NKT cell:CD1d System in Cancer
  and Other Diseases - Mark Exley\, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inf
 lammation Research (MCCIR)
DTSTART:20141003T120000Z
DTEND:20141003T130000Z
UID:TALK54446@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Dr Tennie Videler
DESCRIPTION:CD1d-restricted ´Natural Killer T´ cell (NKT) populations en
 hance anti-pathogen and anti-tumour immunity. NKT are required for optimal
  resistance to certain infections and presence of Th1-biased NKT cells is 
 specifically associated with cancer patient survival. Patient NKT defects 
 are reversible in vitro\, so we are investigating their correction in mode
 ls and the clinic (latter based on our NKT cell mAb). In the Tramp prostat
 e cancer model\, a tumour cell-based vaccine augmented by NKT stimulation 
 was therapeutically active in advanced disease. NKT cell restoration in st
 age IV melanoma patients was well-tolerated with signs of immune activatio
 n. Progression-free survival of the majority of these highly-selected pati
 ents was over a year. \nThere are further distinct NKT populations. Liver 
 lymphocytes are dominated by NKT cells which can protect against acute inf
 ections\, but their chronic stimulation can contribute to hepatitis. In hu
 man as well as murine bone marrow and adipose\, NKT can suppress inflammat
 ion (e.g. Graft-versus-Host Disease and Type 2 Diabetes). NKT cells are hi
 ghly enriched in adipose\, but depleted in obesity. However\, NKT can stil
 l protect against metabolic effects of obesity. Finally\, where NKT cells 
 are found to be refractory\, CD1d mAbs\, as well as blocking NKT:CD1d inte
 raction\, potently stimulate CD1d+ antigen-presenting cell maturation. We 
 are working toward control of NKT cells in a range of diseases and vaccine
 s.
LOCATION:Sackler Lecture Theatre (Level 7)\, Cambridge Institute for Medic
 al Research
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