2026/05/19 by Larissa Cardoso Zanetti, Raquel de Melo Alves Paiva, Lucila Nassif Kerbauy · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #CAR-T cell therapy research #Immune Cell Function and Interaction #Virus-based gene therapy research
paper · pdf · doi:10.46765/2675-374x.2025v7n1e335
openalex created_date 2026/05/19 · openalex publication_date 2026/05/19 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has transformed adoptive cell therapy, particularly through the success of CAR-T cells in hematologic malignancies. However, challenges such as toxicity, complex manufacturing, and high costs have encouraged the exploration of alternative immune cell platforms. Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising approach due to their intrinsic cytotoxic activity, major histocompatibility complex-independent tumor recognition, and lower risk of severe immune-related toxicities. CAR-NK cells combine CAR-mediated antigen targeting with the natural antitumor functions of NK cells, supporting the development of safer and potentially “off-the-shelf” cellular therapies. This chapter reviews the biological rationale of CAR-NK cells, current gene engineering strategies, and the evolving clinical landscape, highlighting their potential in hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases.