Human CAR NK Cells: A New Non-viral Method Allowing High Efficient Transfection and Strong Tumor Cell Killing

Front Immunol. 2019 Apr 30:10:957. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00957. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

CAR-NK cells may represent a valuable tool, complementary to CAR-T cells, in adoptive immunotherapy of leukemia and solid tumors. However, gene transfer to human NK cells is a challenging task, particularly with non-virus-based techniques. Here, we describe a new procedure allowing efficient electroporation-based transfection of plasmid DNA, including CAR and CCR7 genes, in resting or cytokine-expanded human NK cell populations and NK-92 cell line. This procedure may offer a suitable platform for a safe and effective use of CAR-NK cells in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.

Keywords: Chimeric Antigen Receptors; NK cells; adoptive immunotherapy; chemokine receptors; electroporation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / genetics*
  • Jurkat Cells
  • K562 Cells
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Leukemia* / immunology
  • Leukemia* / therapy
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Plasmids / immunology
  • Receptors, CCR7* / genetics
  • Receptors, CCR7* / immunology
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / genetics
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / immunology
  • Transfection*

Substances

  • CCR7 protein, human
  • Receptors, CCR7
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen