Definition

A synthetic glycolipid agonist for natural killer T cells (NKTs) expressing an invariant (alpha, beta) T-cell receptor (iNKTs), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon infusion of the iNKT cell agonist ABX196, this agent targets and binds to iNKTs, thereby activating iNKTs. In turn, iNKTs recognize CD1d-restricted lipid ligands, which are expressed on certain tumor cells, and secrete large amounts of various cytokines. This may activate the immune system against tumor cells. Additionally, iNKTs directly target and lyse tumor cells.