Hematopoietic stem cell- and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CAR-NK cells as reliable cell-based therapy solutions

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell- (HSC) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived natural killer (NK) cells containing engineered functions, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), offer great promise for the treatment of seemingly incurable oncological malignancies. Today, some of the main challenges of CAR cell-based therapeutics are the long manufacturing time and safety of the cell sources used. Additional challenges include avoiding graft vs host disease (GVHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Here, we show compelling evidence for the use of NK cell therapeutics as a reliable off-the-shelf option, as they address key issues. Furthermore, we highlight how iPS cells and directed differentiation toward HSC and NK cells address industrial scalability and safety.

Keywords: CAR-NK; chimeric antigen receptor (CAR); hematopoietic stem cell (HSC); induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell; natural killer cells (NK).