Creative Biolabs harnesses NK cells' anti-cancer potential. Viral-based NK cell modification is inefficient and costly, while mRNA electroporation— a rapid, non-integrating technique—enables high transient gene expression, enhancing ADCC and tumor homing via receptors like CD16 and CCR7.
Our Custom mRNA-based NK Cell Reprogramming Service offers cGMP-compliant mRNA-LNP engineering for safe, efficacious allogeneic therapeutics. We transform primary NK cells into target-specific products with superior function and scalability, overcoming traditional CAR-T and viral CAR-NK limitations.
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NK cells are innate lymphoid cells with rapid, potent cytotoxicity against tumor and virus-infected cells. Unlike T cells, they require no prior sensitization or MHC matching, making them ideal for allogeneic ("off-the-shelf") therapy. Their lower risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) and minimal CRS toxicity position CAR-NK therapy as a safer, scalable alternative to CAR-T cells.
Our service uses the mRNA-LNP platform for genetic reprogramming. This non-viral system delivers synthetic mRNA (encoding desired CAR or accessory receptors like CD16, CCR7) directly into NK cell cytosol via optimized electroporation. The synthetic mRNA utilizes the cell's native machinery for protein translation, achieving high, transient expression of the engineered receptor on the NK cell surface.
Fig.1 The intracellular transport process of mRNA encapsulated by LNP.1,3
The core mechanism involves introducing genetic information to enhance the NK cell's natural functions:
Our proprietary workflow is designed for transparency, efficiency, and scalability, ensuring a smooth transition from CAR concept to functionally validated cell product.
Custom design optimized CAR/functional receptor mRNA (codon usage, poly(A) tail, 5' capping) and encapsulate into tailored LNP formulations.
Large-scale expansion via validated feeder cell or cytokine protocols (e.g., IL-21) to yield >95% CD56+ pure NK cells.
Proprietary platform achieves >90% transfection efficiency without compromising cell viability or cytotoxic function.
Rigorous checks including FACS (CAR expression, CD56/CD16 markers), viability, and proliferative capacity.
In vitro real-time cellular analysis (RTCA), ADCC (if CD16), and Transwell migration assays (if CCR7).
8–14 weeks, depending on CAR design complexity, starting material (primary cell vs. cell line), and required engineered NK cell scale.
Creative Biolabs is not just a service provider; we are your expert partner dedicated to de-risking your cell therapy program. Our Custom mRNA based Natural Killer Cell Reprogramming Service is designed for maximum speed, safety, and functional precision.
End-to-End mRNA-LNP Formulation
One-stop service covering custom mRNA design, LNP encapsulation, electroporation, and CAR-NK cell expansion for a controlled, cohesive manufacturing process.
Non-Viral Safety and Ultra-High Efficiency
Optimized non-integrating LNP technology achieves >90% CAR expression, eliminating insertional mutagenesis risks from viral vectors.
Advanced Customization for NK Function
Custom mRNA constructs (novel CAR, high-affinity CD16, CCR7, cytokines) tailored to your target tumor profile.
Scalable, Clinical-Grade NK Cell Expansion
Large-scale expansion via proprietary IL-21/4-1BB protocols, delivering clinically relevant cell numbers for pilot and pivotal studies.
Integrated Functional Validation
Comprehensive QC including FACS, RTCA, ADCC, and migration assays for full product characterization.
Guaranteed Low Toxicity Risk
Transient mRNA expression simplifies toxicology/safety studies, accelerating preclinical timelines and reducing costs.
To prepare CAR-NK cells, mRNA equipped with CD19-CAR was embedded in LNPs and used for the transfection of NK cells. The expression and transfection efficiency of CAR were detected by flow cytometry. CD19-CAR-NK cells, like NK cells, are CD3-, and have relatively high expression levels of CD56, activated receptor CD337 (NKp30), and CD16. Subsequent tests also confirmed that CD19-CAR-NK cells can kill leukemia cells, and the levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B secreted by them are higher than those of ordinary NK cells.
Fig.2 CAR-NK cells expressed high levels of CAR after transfection with mRNA-LNP.2,3
Fig.3 The levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B secreted by CD19-CAR-NK cells are higher than those of ordinary NK cells.2,3
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While viral vectors provide stable expression, mRNA's transient expression is an advantage for NK cell therapy. NK cells have a shorter in vivo lifespan than T cells, so transient expression minimizes long-term off-target toxicity. Additionally, mRNA enables repeated, low-toxicity dosing of fresh, highly active NK cells, offering superior control over the therapeutic window.
Our optimized cGMP-compliant electroporation platform achieves over 90% CAR expression efficiency in primary NK cells (confirmed by FACS). The process is gentle, and extensive QC (viability and cytotoxicity assays) verifies that NK cells retain their phenotype (CD56+, CD3-) and potent cytotoxic function post-transfection.
Yes, our platform supports multiplexed engineering. We can co-transfect NK cells with multiple mRNA constructs (e.g., anti-BCMA CAR mRNA and CCR7 homing receptor mRNA) to create dual-functional effector cells—enhanced killing plus superior trafficking—critical for solid tumor and metastatic disease programs.
CAR-NK cells are inherently safer, rarely causing severe CRS or neurotoxicity. They are naturally allogeneic, allowing sourcing from healthy donors for "off-the-shelf" manufacturing, addressing CAR-T's scalability bottleneck. Our mRNA-LNP method accelerates scalability by eliminating slow viral vector production.
We deliver comprehensive initial validation, including FACS plots for CAR expression and NK cell purity, plus RTCA curves showing dose-dependent target cell killing efficacy. This package offers a clear, conclusive assessment of functional potency before advancing to large-scale production.
Provides a non-viral, scalable, and safe solution for next-generation CAR-NK development. We offer custom mRNA-LNP formulation, high-efficiency NK cell engineering, and rigorous functional validation to deliver CAR-NK products optimized for clinical success and regulatory compliance.
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