Reformation in chimeric antigen receptor based cancer immunotherapy: Redirecting natural killer cell

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer
Author(s): Chu Lin, Jun Zhang
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important subset of lymphocytes which play a critical role in host immunity against cancer. With MHC-independent recognition, short lifespan and potent cytotoxicity, NK cells make a promising candidate for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered cancer immunotherapy. Due to innate biological properties of NK cells, CAR-NK may outperform CAR-T therapy in terms of less side effects and more universal access, which may become a great reformation in CAR-based cancer immunotherapy. The CARs used in peripheral blood (PB) NK cells as well as NK cell line like NK-92 are the most important outfits defining antigenic specificity. The constructs of CARs used in NK cells from different sources vary, which all undergo generational optimization. The anti-tumor effect of CAR-NK has been validated in numerous preclinical trials for cancers, including hematological malignancies and many solid tumors, which provides evidence for potential clinical application of CAR-NK. Additionally, this review concludes the challenges faced in the application of CAR-NK. Although CAR-NK is considered as one of the most possible "off-the shelf" product, the improvement for the efficiency of expansion and transduction and the solution for underlying safety issue are still needed. Possible coping strategies for challenges and upgrades in techniques are also highlighted for future development in CAR-NK cancer immunotherapy.



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