Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a predominant part of innate immune cells and play a crucial role in anti-cancer immunity. NK cells can kill target cells nonspecifically, and their recognition of target cells is not restricted by the major histocompatibility complex. NK cells also fight against tumor cells independently of antibodies and prior activation. Of note, umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of NK cells. Immunotherapies based on UCB-derived NK cells are becoming increasingly researched, and the investigations are producing encouraging results. In recent years, non-modified and modified UCB-derived NK cells have been successfully developed to fight against tumor cells. Herein, UCB-derived NK cell-based immunotherapy is a potential strategy for the treatment of cancer in the future. In this review, we focus on discussing the biological characteristics of UCB-derived NK cells and their application prospects in anti-tumor immunotherapy, including the latest preclinical and clinical researches.
Highlights
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-T cells-based and natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies, has been used to cure cancer, making significant improvements in the prognosis of patients [1,2,3]
Only one clinical investigation based on CAR-umbilical cord blood (UCB)-Natural killer (NK) cells has published its findings. This phase 1 and 2 trial demonstrated that majority of the patients with CD19-positive Lymphoid tumors who received the CAR-(anti-CD19, CD28.CD3z, IL-15, and inducible caspase 9)-UCB-NK cell therapy achieved a rapid response to treatment, and CAR-NK cells maintained their persistence at low levels for at least 12 months
UCB-derived NK cells can be used as an allogeneic “off-the-shelf” product in anti-cancer cellular immunotherapy, making their use a promising option
Summary
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-T cells-based and natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies, has been used to cure cancer, making significant improvements in the prognosis of patients [1,2,3]. Because NK cells – which are the first line of defense against cancer cells and virus infection and can kill tumor cells without antigen sensitization and antibody involvement – play an important role in anti-tumor immunity, they have been used in the immunotherapy of malignant tumors in recent years [4, 5]. NK cells can secrete amounts of cytokines, including IFN-g and TNF-a, which act on the target cells directly or further activate other types of immune cells. Given that preclinical and clinical results of UCB-derived NK cells-based therapies have been encouraging [12,13,14], it is reasonable to infer that this form of immunotherapy is attractive and promising. We discuss the biological characteristics of UCB-derived NK cells and their application prospects in anti-tumor immunotherapy, including in the latest preclinical and clinical researches
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
