Harnessing the Power of g-NK Cells to Treat Hematologic Malignancies

Natural killer (NK) cells’ innate ability to specifically target tumor cells without damaging healthy ones makes them interesting candidates for novel immunotherapies. A subset of these cells, FceR1y-deficient natural killer (g-NK) cells, have shown promise as a potential treatment for multiple cancer types especially when used in combination with monoclonal antibodies. These cells have unique characteristics, such as the down-modulation of the FceR1y chain, that enhances their response to cancerous cells. These differences arise from epigenetic changes that result from exposure to cytomegalovirus.

In this GEN webinar, Mark Frohlich, MD, CEO of Indapta Therapeutics, discussed the company’s approach to developing a universal, allogeneic g-NK cell therapy that improves the cytotoxicity of antibody therapy in cancer. During the webinar, he described the benefits of using g-NK cells to treat cancer compared to traditional NK-cells including increased cytokine secretion, higher levels of cytolytic enzymes, and a higher antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity among other benefits. He also shared details of the anti-cancer effects of Indapta’s lead clinical program, IDP-023, in preclinical cancer models and discuss their ongoing trial in hematologic malignancies.

A live Q&A session followed the presentation, offering a chance for listeners to pose questions to our expert panelist.