NK‐Cell Biofactory as an Off‐the‐Shelf Cell‐based Vector for Targeted In Situ Synthesis of Engineered Proteins. Issue 7 (19th April 2021) - Repellin, Claire E.
Abstract: The NK‐92MI, a fast‐growing cytolytic cell line with a track record of exerting clinical efficacy, is transformed into a vector for synthesizing calibrated amounts of desired engineered proteins at our disease site, that is, NK‐cell Biofactory . This provides an allogeneic option to the previously published T‐cell‐based living vector that is limited by high manufacturing cost and product variability. The modularity of this pathway, which combines a "target" receptor with an "effector" function, enables reprogramming of the NK‐cell Biofactory to target diseases with specific molecular biomarkers, such as cancer, viral infections, or auto‐immune disorders, and overcome barriers that may affect the advancement of NK‐cell therapies. Abstract : Based on a clinically relevant NK cell line, NK‐cell Biofactory is a living vector that secretes desired protein following recognition of a target cell while conserving the cytolytic activity. Its allogeneic nature, coupled with ease of manufacturing, transforms it into an off‐the‐shelf therapeutic option. The platform can be redirected for treating a broad range of diseases evading the immune system.