Enhanced natural killer cell therapy shows promise in Alzheimer’s

Ideal treatment approach

Commenting on this research, Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, a neurologist and researcher in Boston, said NK cells have “natural abilities that could make them an ideal treatment approach for Alzheimer’s and similar neurodegenerative diseases.

“NK cells have properties that allow them to recognize and destroy diseased brain cells while leaving healthy cells intact, without causing excessive inflammation or autoimmune issues. It has historically been difficult to get immune cells to access the privileged immunological environment of the brain,” Dr. Lakhan explained.

“However, this line of early research shows that NK cells safely crosses the blood–brain barrier, infiltrates brain tissue, and may stave off Alzheimer’s disease as measured by biomarkers and clinical symptoms,” he noted.

“This emerging cell-based immunotherapy is highly-specific to the cells responsible for Alzheimer’s, avoids drug resistance, has long-lasting results, and has fewer side effects than drug counterparts,” Dr. Lakhan said.

The trial was sponsored by NKGen Biotech. Dr. Song and six coauthors are employees and shareholders in the company. Dr. Lakhan reports no relevant financial relationships.
 

A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.