One of the functions of Natural Killer (NK) cells is to detect and eliminate cancer cells. However, in some cases they are unable to overcome the tumour’s defence mechanism, and cancer develops. To date, NK lymphocyte-based treatments have been effective in haematological tumours, but have not achieved the same level of efficacy in solid tumours. A study published in Nature Immunology proposes a new approach for strengthening NK cells in their fight against tumour cells. Using CRISPR-Cas 9, the researchers deactivated a specific gene, SMAD4, involved in TGF-β and activin A signalling in preclinical models of HER2-positive breast cancer tumour cells and metastatic colorectal cancer cells. The modified NK cells were able to overcome the negative effects of TGF-β and activin A.
