Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy

Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) represents a novel targeted therapy that uses genetic engineering to modify effector cells for precise tumor cell targeting. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy, which employs T cells as effectors, has demonstrated significant efficacy in t...

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Main Authors: Sisi Li, Jiajie Jing, Yueming Chen, Enjie Chi, Bingyan Wang, Ziwen Xie, Wenya Yang, Hongqiang Shen, Jianping Pan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-04106-z
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author Sisi Li
Jiajie Jing
Yueming Chen
Enjie Chi
Bingyan Wang
Ziwen Xie
Wenya Yang
Hongqiang Shen
Jianping Pan
author_facet Sisi Li
Jiajie Jing
Yueming Chen
Enjie Chi
Bingyan Wang
Ziwen Xie
Wenya Yang
Hongqiang Shen
Jianping Pan
author_sort Sisi Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) represents a novel targeted therapy that uses genetic engineering to modify effector cells for precise tumor cell targeting. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy, which employs T cells as effectors, has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies. However, its efficacy against solid tumors remains inadequate and is accompanied by toxic side effects, including cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity and on-target/off-tumor effects. In contrast to T cells, natural killer (NK) cells exhibit a broader source range and can non-specifically lyse tumor cells. Moreover, it can also reduce toxicity and side effects to some extent. This review comprehensively examines recent research progress on CAR-NK therapy for solid tumors, encompassing both in vivo and in vitro studies, with a focus on CAR-NK cell design and production methods. Drawing upon laboratory and clinical evidence, this review summarizes the current challenges and side effects associated with CAR-NK technology.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1432-0851
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Springer
record_format Article
series Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
spelling doaj-art-b6f4c2e0e4dd4a58bb9d819ee6ec942b2025-08-20T03:46:04ZengSpringerCancer Immunology, Immunotherapy1432-08512025-07-0174912210.1007/s00262-025-04106-zPrecision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapySisi Li0Jiajie Jing1Yueming Chen2Enjie Chi3Bingyan Wang4Ziwen Xie5Wenya Yang6Hongqiang Shen7Jianping Pan8Department of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou City University School of MedicineAbstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) represents a novel targeted therapy that uses genetic engineering to modify effector cells for precise tumor cell targeting. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy, which employs T cells as effectors, has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies. However, its efficacy against solid tumors remains inadequate and is accompanied by toxic side effects, including cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity and on-target/off-tumor effects. In contrast to T cells, natural killer (NK) cells exhibit a broader source range and can non-specifically lyse tumor cells. Moreover, it can also reduce toxicity and side effects to some extent. This review comprehensively examines recent research progress on CAR-NK therapy for solid tumors, encompassing both in vivo and in vitro studies, with a focus on CAR-NK cell design and production methods. Drawing upon laboratory and clinical evidence, this review summarizes the current challenges and side effects associated with CAR-NK technology.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-04106-zSolid tumorsImmunotherapyCAR-NKTargeted therapy
spellingShingle Sisi Li
Jiajie Jing
Yueming Chen
Enjie Chi
Bingyan Wang
Ziwen Xie
Wenya Yang
Hongqiang Shen
Jianping Pan
Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
Solid tumors
Immunotherapy
CAR-NK
Targeted therapy
title Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
title_full Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
title_fullStr Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
title_full_unstemmed Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
title_short Precision sniper for solid tumors: CAR-NK cell therapy
title_sort precision sniper for solid tumors car nk cell therapy
topic Solid tumors
Immunotherapy
CAR-NK
Targeted therapy
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-04106-z
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