Natural Killer (NK) cells are specialized immune cells that form the first line of defence by the innate immune system. They are unique in their ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal and diseased cells such as cancer cells and pathogen-infected cells. Unlike other immune cells that require prior sensitization to respond, NK cells have the innate ability to identify and destroy cells that are stressed, infected, or cancerous. They detect the absence of normal “self” markers on these cells and eliminate them efficiently. In addition to their cytotoxic capabilities, NK cells produce cytokines that further enhance the immune response. This dual function underscores the importance of NK cells in maintaining immune surveillance and combating diseases. This approach not only offers a more precise attack on the disease but also has the potential to provide long-term protection by establishing immune memory.
As a solution, NKure Therapeutics aims to introduce an off-the-shelf NK cell based immunotherapy as a multipronged approach to combat cancers and other maladies.
The next generation of NK cell products are engineered to enhance their activation and proliferation and to overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. This would augment the metabolic fitness, functionality and persistence of NK cells to better target the disease. While current autologous T cell-based therapies, such as CAR-T, are powerful tools in treating certain cancers, they carry risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and graft versus host disease (GVHD). CAR-NKs, on the contrary, can be prepared as an “off-the-shelf” product due to their optimal safety profile, rendering them ideal for allogenic infusions. This combination of natural efficacy, safety, and scalability positions NK cell-based therapies as a promising alternative to existing immunotherapy options.