CAR-NK cells

CAR-NK cells are a promising immunotherapy approach that combines the natural cancer-fighting abilities of natural killer (NK) cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology. This therapy represents an evolution in cellular immunotherapy that addresses some limitations of CAR-T cell therapy. ## Description CAR-NK cell therapy enhances the body's innate immune response by engineering natural killer cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). These modified NK cells can specifically target and destroy cancer cells while maintaining their inherent ability to recognize and eliminate malignant cells[1][2]. The therapy works by isolating NK cells (either from donors or cell lines), genetically modifying them to express CARs that recognize specific antigens on cancer cells, expanding them in the laboratory, and then infusing them into patients[5][6]. Unlike CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells can be manufactured from healthy donors and stored as "off-the-shelf" treatments, making them readily available without the manufacturing delays associated with autologous therapies[10]. A key advantage of CAR-NK cells is their favorable safety profile. They typically cause fewer severe side effects compared to CAR-T cells, with common side effects including mild symptoms like chills, fever, headache, and high blood pressure[5][8]. Additionally, CAR-NK cells don't require HLA matching between donor and recipient, enabling their use as universal cell-based therapy[7]. Clinical trials have shown promising results for CAR-NK cells in treating various blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and acute myeloid leukemia[2][6][10]. Research is also exploring their potential in solid tumors[7].

Brand names

SENTI-202SENTI202SENTI 202

Other names

Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cellsCAR natural killer cells