MIT researchers have created lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA to natural killer (NK) cells inside the body, reprogramming them to attack specific targets without removing, engineering and reinfusing the cells. The study was published in Nature Biotechnology.
In mice, about 80% of targeted NK cells were reprogrammed. In a model of aggressive melanoma, 3 of 5 mice went into complete remission, and in a T cell lymphoma model with a human-like immune system, tumours were eradicated after five injections.
In a model of autoimmune hepatitis, the reprogrammed cells destroyed the T cells attacking the liver, and the damage healed after a single injection. The team hopes to extend the approach to diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
All results come from mouse studies and there are no human trials yet. No CAR NK cell therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration so far.
