Next-Generation Immunotherapy Platforms
Multi-Model Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy Platforms
The immune system is composed of diverse cell populations that work together to protect the body from infections, cancer, and other diseases. Among these are natural killer (NK) cells, part of the innate immune response and one of the body’s first lines of defense. NK cells can recognize and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancerous and virally infected cells, without prior sensitization.
ImmunityBio’s activated NK (aNK) cell platform is designed to harness this natural immune response using a highly cytotoxic NK cell line. An engineered version of these cells, PD-L1 targeted high-affinity NK (PD-L1 t-haNK) cells, is being evaluated for its potential to enhance immune recognition and anti-tumor activity in multiple cancer settings.
To further support immune activation, ImmunityBio developed N-803 (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept or NAI), commercialized as ANKTIVA® in approved indications, is an IL-15 receptor agonist complex designed to stimulate and expand NK cells and CD8+ memory T cells. IL-15 signaling plays an important role in immune cell proliferation, persistence, and activation.
Unlike high-dose IL-2 therapies, IL-15 receptor agonists are being investigated for their potential to activate immune responses without significantly expanding suppressive regulatory T cells. N-803 is being studied in combination with multiple therapeutic approaches, including checkpoint inhibitors, cell therapies, vaccines, and intravesical therapies.
ImmunityBio is advancing clinical research programs evaluating N-803 in bladder cancer, lung cancer, and other solid tumors.
In bladder cancer, N-803 has been studied in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in patients with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Clinical studies have evaluated the potential of IL-15-based immunotherapy approaches to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses in this disease setting.
N-803 is also being investigated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including in patients previously treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Research in this setting is focused on immune restoration, lymphocyte proliferation, and the potential role of IL-15 signaling in supporting anti-tumor immunity.
Many cancer treatments — including chemotherapy, radiation, checkpoint inhibitors, and cell therapies — may result in lymphopenia, a reduction in circulating lymphocytes associated with impaired immune function and poorer clinical outcomes.
N-803 is being studied for its potential ability to stimulate NK cells and T cells in patients experiencing treatment-related immune suppression. ImmunityBio’s research programs are evaluating how IL-15 receptor agonists may help support immune system recovery and restore immune responsiveness in oncology settings.
Research into lymphocyte recovery, immune activation, and long-term immune memory continues across multiple clinical and translational programs.
ImmunityBio’s broader immunotherapy platform includes:
- IL-15 receptor agonists
- NK cell therapies
- T cell–based approaches
- Checkpoint inhibitor combinations
These technologies are being evaluated individually and in combination across a range of cancers and infectious diseases.
The company’s research strategy is focused on activating both innate and adaptive immunity by engaging NK cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and immunologic memory. Ongoing clinical studies are designed to further explore the role of multi-modal immunotherapy approaches.
N-803 and related investigational platforms continue to be studied in clinical trials across multiple disease settings.