From one stem cell to 14 million tumor-killing cells
One stem cell generates 14 million tumor-killing natural killer (NK) cells in major cancer breakthrough. Scientists in China have unveiled a breakthrough way to mass-produce powerful cancer-fighting immune cells in the lab. By engineering early-stage stem cells from cord blood—rather than trying to modify mature natural killer (NK) cells—they created a streamlined process that generates enormous numbers of highly potent NK cells, including CAR-equipped versions designed to hunt specific cancers. NK cells play a critical role in the body’s early defense against viruses and cancer, along with other immune functions. Because of their natural ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells, they are an attractive tool for cancer treatment. In chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK therapy, scientists equip NK cells with a lab-designed receptor (a CAR) so they can recognize a specific marker on cancer cells and attack them more precisely. Traditional CAR-NK approaches usually depend on...