Checkpoint blockade accelerates a novel switch from an NKT-driven TNFα response toward a T cell driven IFN-γ response within the tumor microenvironment.

Despite an indirect benefit of early NKT activity, CB accelerates a switch from TNFα, NKT-driven immune response toward an IFN-γ driven CD4+/CD8+ T cell response in MC38 tumors. These results uncover a novel NKT/T cell switch that may be a key feature of CB response in CD1d+ tumors.