Gamma-delta T cells belong to a unique group of immune cells that have qualities of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. They have a complex set of receptors that allow them to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells. Their multifunctional nature enables them to directly kill cancer cells and activate other immune cells to destroy tumors. What makes gamma-delta T cells particularly promising is that they can eliminate cancer cells without prior exposure to a specific antigen. This means they can trigger a more comprehensive immune response, making them valuable candidates for both solid and hematological cancer therapies. Gamma-delta T cells are also more durable than other innate immune cells like Natural Killer (NK) cells, which have shown to be less effective in clinical trials because of lack of persistence.

Central to IN8bio's approach is their advanced expertise in genetically engineering and manufacturing ex-vivo, expanded and activated gamma-delta T cells. This expertise allows them to produce these immune cells in a way that enhances their therapeutic potential. In addition, IN8bio has developed proprietary gamma-delta T-cell engineering techniques that are unique to the field. This engineering is aimed at improving the cells' resistance to chemotherapy, making them even more effective in combating cancer.

These unique properties have resulted in scientists focusing on developing cancer therapies based on gamma-delta T cells. It is projected that by 2028, the gamma-delta T cell cancer therapy market will be at $4 billion and one company seems to be leading the charge, IN8bio (NASDAQ:INAB). IN8bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing novel therapies based on gamma-delta T cells. Its innovative technology focuses on harnessing the potential of these cells to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells in both solid and hematological tumors.

IN8bio's pipeline consists of a range of preclinical and clinical investigational therapies that aim to address various types of cancer with large unmet needs. Many of its lead product candidates are being developed for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors. The solid tumor market was valued at $209.61 billion in 2021, and it's expected to reach $901.27 billion by 2029. 

The drug candidate, INB-200, may be useful in treating solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is a highly aggressive type of brain cancer with no cure, leading to a grim prognosis and an average overall survival time of only 14 to 16 months. INB-200 is a genetically modified autologous product candidate. This novel platform called drug-resistant immunotherapy, or DRI, utilizes genetic engineering to generate chemotherapy-resistant gamma delta T cells that can be administered concurrently with standard-of-care treatment in solid tumors. This is a powerful, synergistic treatment approach enabling gamma-delta T cells to persist in the presence of chemotherapy and maintain their natural ability to recognize, engage and kill cancer cells. It is designed to activate and expand Gamma-delta T cells in order to enhance the body's immune response against cancer. 

Leukemia, with a specific focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), is another area of interest for IN8bio. The AML market is projected to to grow from $3.5 billion in 2022 to $6.1 billion in 2028 – representing a CAGR of 10%, while the MDS market which was worth $ 3.3 billion in 2022 is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.3% over 2023-2030. IN8bio's INB-100 is an allogeneic-derived, gamma-delta T cell product candidate aimed at addressing the unmet need in these areas.

While there are some companies, such as Adicet (NASDAQ:ACET) and Century Therapeutics (NASDAQ:IPSC), studying gamma-delta T cells, IN8bio's DeltEx platform sets them apart from competitors in the field of cancer therapy. Its expertise, proprietary techniques, and scalable manufacturing process potentially position it as a leader in harnessing the potential of gamma-delta T cells for the development of innovative and effective cancer treatments.