Engineered CAR-NK cells appear more 'attack-ready'

Medical Xpress

February 20, 2026

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Engineered CAR-NK cells demonstrate enhanced tumor-fighting capabilities, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Ribeirao Preto Blood Center and the Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC). By modifying natural killer (NK) cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) equipped with specific costimulatory domains like 2B4 and DAP12, scientists found that these engineered cells became more "attack-ready," significantly improving their ability to target and destroy tumors. This advancement highlights a promising new direction in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for targeting hard-to-treat solid tumors. The study utilized the NK-92 cell line, known for its robust antitumor activity, and tested various CAR designs with different costimulatory domains. These modifications were found to enhance the cells' activation and effector functions, making them more effective in eliminating cancerous cells. The findings, published in *Frontiers in Immunology*, suggest that engineering NK cells with optimized CAR structures could lead to more potent and reliable anti-tumor responses compared to traditional chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. This research is particularly significant because it addresses key limitations of current immunotherapies. Unlike CAR-T cells, which require complex manufacturing processes and are often limited by immune compatibility issues, NK cells can be sourced from healthy donors and potentially used off-the-shelf for multiple patients. The addition of costimulatory domains like 2B4 and DAP12 further boosts their effectiveness, enabling them to recognize and attack a broader range of cancer targets. For readers interested in health and medical advancements, this study underscores the potential of CAR-NK cells as a versatile and powerful tool in cancer treatment. By enhancing the natural tumor-killing capabilities of NK cells through engineered receptors, researchers are paving the way for more effective and accessible therapies. This breakthrough not only offers hope for patients with resistant cancers but also opens

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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/20/2026