A Novel Dual-Antigen Targeting Approach Enables Off-the-Shelf CAR NK Cells to Effectively Recognize and Eliminate the Heterogenous Population Associated with AML (ASH 2022)
In the initial study, the iNK cell backbone (iNK cells without the α3 MICA/B CAR) induced potent activity against the AML cell line HL60, and displayed further enhancement of activity with the addition of anti-CD33 TriKE (GTB-3650), representing combined effects of natural cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Studies with primary AML targets, +/- preincubation of decitabine and all-trans retinoic acid, known to upregulate NKG2D ligands in AML, are in progress and will be discussed. In summary, dual-targeting strategies using off-the-shelf CAR NK cells targeting α3 MICA/B in combination with antigen-specific TriKE targeting CD33 represent an ideal clinical strategy to enhance efficacy and durability of treatment in advanced AML.