Translational development and first-in-human compassionate infusion of NK-92 cells expressing a CD5-based chimeric antigen receptor (SRCD5CAR-NK-92) in a patient with multidrug-resistant fusariosis - Report - MDSpire

Translational development and first-in-human compassionate infusion of NK-92 cells expressing a CD5-based chimeric antigen receptor (SRCD5CAR-NK-92) in a patient with multidrug-resistant fusariosis

  • By

  • María Velasco-de-Andrés

  • Pedro Puerta-Alcalde

  • Jiri Eitler

  • Lydia Krutz

  • Mariana Chumbita

  • Marta Español-Rego

  • Cristina Català

  • Laura Carrillo-Serradell

  • Violeta Planells-Romeo

  • Lucía Aragón-Serrano

  • Andrea Vergara

  • Amanda Isabel Pérez-Valencia

  • Patricia Monzó-Gallo

  • Antonio Gallardo-Pizarro

  • María Teresa Cibeira

  • Alexandru Vlagea

  • José Luis Caro

  • Eduard Palou

  • María Suárez-Lledó

  • Alex Soriano

  • Gonzalo Calvo

  • Álvaro Urbano-Ispizua

  • Torsten Tonn

  • Carolina Garcia-Vidal

  • Francisco Lozano

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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First-in-Human Compassionate Use of NK-92 Cells with a CD5 CAR for Fusariosis

Overview

This report details the first-in-human use of SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells for treating multidrug-resistant fusariosis. The patient demonstrated improved antifungal activity without significant adverse effects, highlighting the potential of this therapy in severe fungal infections.

Background

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) pose a significant challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients, due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains and limited treatment options. The WHO has identified several fungal pathogens, including Fusarium spp., as high-priority targets for new therapeutic strategies. Immune-based therapies, particularly those utilizing engineered NK cells, present a promising avenue for enhancing antifungal responses.

Data Highlights

SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to untransduced NK-92 cells, particularly against a multidrug-resistant Fusarium petroliphilum isolate. The patient received escalating doses of irradiated SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells without significant adverse effects.

Key Findings

  • SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells showed enhanced antifungal activity against MDR Fusarium isolates.
  • The patient received intravenous infusions at 2-5 day intervals.
  • No significant local or systemic adverse effects were reported during treatment.
  • This represents the first application of SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells in a human subject with severe MDR IFI.
  • The patient ultimately succumbed to their underlying hematological malignancy, not the treatment.

Clinical Implications

The use of SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells may provide a novel off-the-shelf therapeutic option for patients with multidrug-resistant fungal infections. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach in larger patient populations.

Conclusion

The compassionate use of SRCD5CAR-NK-92 cells demonstrates potential as a safe and effective strategy for treating severe multidrug-resistant fungal infections, warranting further investigation.

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  8. https://www.ecmm.info/wp-content/uploads/Supplement-Hoenigl-TLID-2021-Global-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-rare-mould-infections-an-initiative-of-the-European-Confederation-of-Medical-Mycology-in-cooperation-with-the-Internation.pdf

Original Source(s)

Translational development and first-in-human compassionate infusion of NK-92 cells expressing a CD5-based chimeric antigen receptor (SRCD5CAR-NK-92) in a patient with multidrug-resistant fusariosis

  • by María Velasco-de-Andrés, Pedro Puerta-Alcalde, Jiri Eitler, Lydia Krutz, Mariana Chumbita, Marta Español-Rego, Cristina Català, Laura Carrillo-Serradell, Violeta Planells-Romeo, Lucía Aragón-Serrano, Andrea Vergara, Amanda Isabel Pérez-Valencia, Patricia Monzó-Gallo, Antonio Gallardo-Pizarro, María Teresa Cibeira, Alexandru Vlagea, José Luis Caro, Eduard Palou, María Suárez-Lledó, Alex Soriano, Gonzalo Calvo, Álvaro Urbano-Ispizua, Torsten Tonn, Carolina Garcia-Vidal, Francisco Lozano

  • May 8, 2026

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