The type 1 NKT cell stimulating glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) was first identified by the Pharmaceutical Research Laboratory of Kirin Brewery in a screen for novel anti-tumor agents. Based on promising preclinical data it was tested as an anticancer drug in multiple clinical studies.

Using CRISPR based screening, we discovered that activation of the integrated stress response pathway enhances PD-L1 translation and promotes immune suppression in lung cancer.