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Adoptive cell therapy using engineered natural killer cells

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 54, pages 785–788 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

The generation of autologous T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have revolutionized the field of adoptive cellular therapy. CAR-T cells directed against CD19 have resulted in remarkable clinical responses in patients affected by B-lymphoid malignancies. However, the production of allogeneic CAR-T cells products remains expensive and clinically challenging. Moreover, the toxicity profile of CAR T-cells means that currently these life-saving treatments are only delivered in specialized centers. Therefore, efforts are underway to develop reliable off-the-shelf cellular products with acceptable safety profiles for the treatment of patients with cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate effector lymphocytes with potent antitumor activity. The availability of NK cells from multiple sources and their proven safety profile in the allogeneic setting positions them as attractive contenders for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss advantages and potential drawbacks of using NK cells as a novel cellular therapy against hematologic malignancies, as well as strategies to further enhance their effector function.

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Funding

Publication of this supplement was sponsored by Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd, Cell Source, Inc., The Chorafas Institute for Scientific Exchange of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Kiadis Pharma, Miltenyi Biotec, Celgene, Centro Servizi Congressuali, Almog Diagnostic. The author’s research are funded in part by grants from the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS Grant ID: 6555-18), the NIH (R01 CA211044-01), the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (RSG-15-218-01-LIB), the American Cancer Society (ACS RSG-15-218-01-LIB) and the generous philanthropic support of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Moon Shots programs.

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  1. Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Katayoun Rezvani

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  1. Katayoun Rezvani
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Correspondence to Katayoun Rezvani.

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Rezvani, K. Adoptive cell therapy using engineered natural killer cells. Bone Marrow Transplant 54 (Suppl 2), 785–788 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-019-0601-6

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