The Immunology Podcast

Ep. 107: “Immune Cell Manipulation” Featuring Dr. Rizwan Romee

Jun 17, 2025
Dr. Rizwan Romee, an oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School professor, dives into the fascinating world of NK cell manipulation for cancer therapy. He discusses groundbreaking approaches for enhancing anti-tumor functions through genetic engineering. The conversation includes the innovative use of E. coli to deliver immune-activating cytokines directly to tumors. Romee also highlights the safety advantages of NK cell therapies compared to CAR T-cells, showcasing a promising path for future cancer treatments.
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INSIGHT

NK Cells Use Signal Balancing

  • NK cells balance activating and inhibitory signals to decide killing targets.
  • Loss of inhibitory signals or gain of stress ligands tilts balance towards NK cell activation.
INSIGHT

NK Cells Safer but Short-Lived

  • NK cells are safer than T cells as they rarely cause cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity.
  • Their short half-life limits durability and efficacy in cancer therapy compared to T cells.
INSIGHT

IL-12 Engineering Boosts NK Cells

  • Engineering NK cells to produce IL-12 improves persistence and tumor infiltration better than IL-15.
  • IL-12 secreted by NK cells is safer than by T cells and modulates the tumor microenvironment.
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