Supercharged “natural killer” cells could be a powerful new cancer weapon
Researchers have found a way to supercharge natural killer cells, powerful immune cells that can attack cancer, so they can penetrate solid tumors and keep fighting once inside. In mice, these specially prepared tissue-resident cells slowed the growth of several tumors, including melanoma and head and neck cancers, and worked even better when paired with the antibody drug cetuximab.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine and collaborating institutions have developed a novel strategy to enhance the effectiveness of natural killer cells in combating solid tumors. Natural killer cells are immune cells known for their rapid attack on abnormal cells, including cancer cells and virus-infected cells. However, their effectiveness against solid tumors has been limited due to their difficulty in infiltrating these tumors and the release of signals that weaken nearby immune defenses.
The research team transformed natural killer cells into a specialized tissue resident form, enabling them to better infiltrate solid tumors and destroy cancer cells. This tissue-resident form of natural killer cells was found to be more effective than conventional natural killer cells in infiltrating solid tumors, as demonstrated by the study published in Science Translational Medicine.
The researchers tested the experimental therapy in mice and observed that the modified natural killer cells slowed the growth of several types of solid tumors. When paired with an antibody treatment that guides natural killer cells towards cancer cells, the effect became even stronger. Additionally, tissue-resident natural killer cells have a practical advantage as they do not typically trigger an immune reaction when transferred from one person to another, making them potentially available to a wider range of patients.
Natural killer cells were first identified in the 1970s and are known for their ability to rapidly recognize and destroy abnormal cells. Unlike other white blood cells, natural killer cells do not require prior exposure to a specific target, allowing for quick response. Historically, immunology research has primarily focused on immune cells circulating in the bloodstream. However, recent advancements in tools and bioinformatics have led to a growing interest in studying immune cells residing in tissues.
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