Schematic diagram of NK cell binding nanodrones (NKENDS). **unist
A study led by Prof. Sebyung Kang and Prof. Sung Ho Park from the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST has revealed a major breakthrough in cancer**. The research team has successfully developed an unprecedented "NK cell-binding nano-drone" that can selectively target and eliminate cancer cells, providing a potential solution for refractory cancers.
Innate lymphocytes, known as natural killer (NK) cells, play a vital role in the body's immune response to cancer. Many efforts have been made to harness the power of NK cells to develop effective cancers**. Now, the research team has designed and fabricated special NK cell-binding nanodrones called NKENDS using AALS protein cage nanoparticles.
These breakthrough NKEND simultaneously display cancer-targeting ligands (e.g., HER2FAB or EGFrafb) and NK cell recruitment ligands (ACD16nB) on the surface of AALs via the SpyCatcher Spytag protein linkage system. A two-ligand named HER2 @nkend and egfr@nkend shows that NKEND has demonstrated the ability to selectively bind HER2-overexpressing SK-OV-3 cells and EGFR-overexpressing MDA-MB-468 cells, respectively, as well as human NK cells.
The physical binding of human NK cells to NKENDS-mediated target cancer cells activates NK cells, enabling them to effectively eliminate target cancer cells in vitro. Notably, in SK-OV-3 tumor-bearing mice, HER2 @nkends administered with human PBMCs facilitated the infiltration of activated human NK cells into the tumor site. As a result, tumor growth is significantly inhibited without causing significant ***
Use flow cytometry to activate human NK cells in the presence of target cancer cells and corresponding NKEND or other nanoantibody variants. **unist
This study demonstrates a novel approach to develop cancer-specific NK cell engagers using protein cage nanoparticles and recombinant cancer cell binders. It offers great potential for selective** previously refractory cancer types.
Professor Jiang Shibing expressed his excitement about the study, saying, "This study provides new possibilities for immunization** through NK cell delivery nanodrones, overcoming challenges such as NK cell motility and survival. Our goal is to provide new opportunities for customization** to selectively address various types of cancer through further research, including cancer-specific immune cell induction.
NK cell-dependent in vivo antitumor efficacy of HER2 @nkend. **unist
The study was published in the journal Nano Today.
More information: Seong Guk Park et al., Protein cage nanoparticle-based NK cell-binding nanodrones (NKENDs) efficiently recruit NK cells to target tumor sites and inhibit tumor growth, Nano Today (2023). doi： 10.1016/j.nantod.2023.102075