Technical advances in NK cell-based cellular immunotherapy

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising future for tumor immunotherapy because of their unique biological functions and characteristics. This review focuses on technical advances in NK cell-based cellular immunotherapy and summarizes the developments of recent years in cell sources, genetic modification, manufacturing systems, clinical programs, and outcomes. Future prospects and challenges in NK cell immunotherapy are also discussed, including off-the-shelf NK cell exploitation, automatic and closed manufacturing systems, cryopreservation, and therapies involving regulatory checkpoints.