Abstract
The adoptive transfer of allogeneic CAR NK cells holds great promise as an anticancer modality due to the relative ease of manufacturing and genetic modification of NK cells, which translates into affordable pricing. Compared to the pronounced efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of B cell malignancies, rigorous clinical and preclinical assessment of the antitumor properties of CAR NK cells has been lagging behind. In this brief review, we summarize the biological features of NK cells that may help define the therapeutic niche of CAR NK cells as well as create more potent NK cell-based anticancer products. In addition, we compare T cells and NK cells as the carriers of CARs using the data of single-cell transcriptomic analysis.
Highlights
Therapy based on the adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and kill malignant cells has made remarkable strides in clinical applications [1]
T cells as allogeneic CAR carriers represents an attractive alternative, as this cell type is known to conveniently mediate potent antitumor effects in the absence of GvHD [3]. This in turn broadens the selection of donors and cell types for CAR NK cell therapy and it is envisaged to transform the field of immunotherapies employing the adoptive cellular transfer of genetically engineered lymphocytes [4,5,6]
We focus on the challenges that need to be overcome to advance CAR NK cells to the forefront of immunotherapy for human disease
Summary
Therapy based on the adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and kill malignant cells has made remarkable strides in clinical applications [1]. T cells as allogeneic (universal) CAR carriers represents an attractive alternative, as this cell type is known to conveniently mediate potent antitumor effects in the absence of GvHD [3]. This in turn broadens the selection of donors and cell types for CAR NK cell therapy and it is envisaged to transform the field of immunotherapies employing the adoptive cellular transfer of genetically engineered lymphocytes [4,5,6]. We focus on the challenges that need to be overcome to advance CAR NK cells to the forefront of immunotherapy for human disease
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