Table 2 CAR-NK cell features
Parameter | Parameters | NK cells Modification or Characteristication |
|---|---|---|
CAR-NK CAR structure | TRE | scFv or Nanobody (mono-, bi- or mult-valent), NKG2D, FAP |
HD/TMD | CD4, CD8a, CD28, NKG2D | |
ICD | CD28, 4-1BB, 2B4, DAP10, DAP12, OX-40, CYTOKINES | |
Innate target recognition | Like conventional NK cells, CAR-NK cells retain their innate ability to recognize and target cells without prior sensitization | |
CAR-NK properties | Versatility | Can be derived from various sources, including PBMC, CB, iPSC or cell lines |
Allogeneic potential | Allogeneic CAR-NK cells from healthy donors may offer an off-the-shelf therapeutic option | |
Enhanced cytotoxicity | CAR-NK cells exhibit improved cytotoxicity against target cells upon antigen binding | |
GvHD | Allogeneic CAR-NK cells may have a lower risk of GvHD compared to CAR-T cells | |
CAR-NK cells vs. CAR-T cells | Source | CAR-NK cells can be derived from various sources, offering potential allogeneic options. CAR-T cells are typically autologous |
Persistence | CAR-T cells tend to persist longer in the body compared to CAR-NK cells | |
Immunogenicity | CAR-NK cells may be less immunogenic than CAR-T cells, reducing the risk of adverse immune reactions | |
CAR-NK cells vs. conventional NK cells | Target specificity | CAR-NK cells are engineered for specific antigen recognition, whereas conventional NK cells rely on a broader range of activating and inhibitory receptors |
Cytotoxicity | CAR-NK cells exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity against target cells compared to unmodified NK cells | |
Versatility | CAR-NK cells can be customized for various cancer types, potentially increasing their versatility |