Chemical priming potentiates mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK-92 antitumor activity by improving tumor trafficking and cytotoxic killing dynamics
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By
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Ki Seo Ryu
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Hail Park
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Eunchong Maeng
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Jun-Yeon Lim
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Duck Cho
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Seung Hee Choi
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Kyung-Soon Park
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June 1, 2026
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Objective:
To investigate whether a non-genetic chemical priming strategy can enhance the migratory and cytotoxic functions of CAR-NK cells against solid tumors.
Key Findings:
- Chemical priming enhanced cytotoxicity and degranulation against ovarian cancer cells.
- Primed CAR-NK cells exhibited increased CCR7 expression and improved tumor-directed migration.
- Live-cell imaging showed accelerated target engagement and shortened killing time.
- Chemical priming increased perforin accumulation and IFN-γ production.
- In vivo, primed CAR-NK cells achieved improved tumor control and increased intratumoral infiltration compared to non-primed cells.
Interpretation:
Chemical priming enhances CAR-NK cell function.
Limitations:
Conclusion:
Chemical priming may enhance the efficacy of CAR-NK cells in solid tumor models.
