Advances in NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: NK source, persistence and tumor targeting.

Natural Killer (NK) cells yield promise in therapy of hematologic malignancies. The clinical experience with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells over past two decades has revealed safety and minimal risk of CRS or ICANS. Unlike T cells which have to be genetically altered to avoid graft vs host disease (GVHD), HLA mis-matched NK cells can be infused without GVHD risk. This makes them ideal for the development of off-the-shelf products. In this review we focus on NK biology relevant to the cancer therapy, the trajectory of NK therapeutics for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and advantages of the NK cell platform. We will also discuss novel methods to enhance NK cell targeting, persistence, and function in the tumor microenvironment. The future of NK cell therapy depends on novel strategies to realize these qualities.

Automated summary

Natural Killer (NK) cells show promise in treating hematologic malignancies. Adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells have demonstrated safety and minimal risk of complications. Unlike genetically altered T cells, HLA mis-matched NK cells can be used without the risk of graft vs host disease (GVHD), making them ideal for off-the-shelf products. Enhancing NK cell targeting and function in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for the future of NK cell therapy.