Adoptive T cell therapy for solid tumors is limited by autologous manufacturing complexity and, in allogeneic settings, risks including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), HLA restriction, and donor variability. We develop a scalable, feeder-free platform to differentiate gene-engineered hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into allogeneic, NY-ESO-1-specific cytotoxic T (AlloESO-T) cells. Product phenotype, function, tumor homing, and safety are assessed against solid tumor models and benchmarked to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived TCR-engineered T cells. AlloESO-T cells display a uniform cytotoxic phenotype, with dual tumor targeting through a transgenic TCR and natural killer receptors. Relative to PBMC-derived counterparts, AlloESO-T cells show superior cytotoxicity, selective solid-tumor homing, durable killing persistence, and resilience to immune evasion. They also maintain low GvHD and cytokine release syndrome risk, while retaining stable hypoimmunogenic features. These findings establish HSPC-derived AlloESO-T cells as an off-the-shelf, mono-specific cytotoxic T cell therapy with scalable manufacturing, enhanced efficacy, and improved safety, which support broad applicability of AlloESO-T cells across solid tumors.
Yichen Zhu, Jiaji Yu, Y. J. Kim et al.· Cell Reports Medicine· 0 citations
Nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, including human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), HLA-F, HLA-G, MHC-I-related protein 1 (MR1), and the CD1 family, constitute a conserved antigen-presenting system that regulates immune surveillance, tissue homeostasis, and tolerance through specialized interactions with innate and unconventional T cells. Although these molecules have long been implicated in cancer, infection, autoimmunity, and transplantation, their distinct immunobiology and therapeutic potential have largely been considered in isolation. Recent advances in structural immunology, single-cell and spatial profiling, engineered immune cell technologies, and early clinical studies have established nonclassical MHC-I pathways as tractable targets for immunotherapy. In this review, we synthesize the biology, disease-associated functions, and therapeutic targeting of these molecules, integrating immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-based therapeutics, and MR1- and CD1-restricted cellular immunotherapies into a unified framework. We further highlight shared immunological principles, emerging clinical translation, and opportunities for universal, off-the-shelf immune interventions.
HSPC-engineered allogeneic CAR-NKT cells are established as a promising, scalable, and safer immunotherapy platform for MS, supporting their advancement toward clinical translation.
Highlights from the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting demonstrate significant advances in ADC design, including dual- and multi-payload constructs, multispecific targeting strategies, and immunostimulatory payloads, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes across diverse cancer types.