Investigation of the Cytotoxicity of CAR-NK-92 Cells Targeting CEA Against Gastric Cancer Cells

Abstract

Objective: To construct CAR-NK-92 cells targeting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and study their killing effect on gastric cancer cells. Methods: CAR-NK-92 cells targeting CEA were constructed. After co-culturing CAR-NK-92 cells with MKN-45 gastric cancer cells, the killing effect of CAR-NK-92 cells was detected by a lactate dehydrogenase release assay. The secretion levels of gamma interferon and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were measured using an ELISA assay. Results: The lactate dehydrogenase release assay showed that CAR-NK-92 cells had a significant killing effect on MKN-45 cells compared to CON-NK-92 cells, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). ELISA results indicated that the levels of gamma interferon and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor secreted by CAR-NK-92 cells and MKN-45 target cells were significantly increased after co-culture (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CAR-NK-92 cells targeting CEA exhibit a significant killing effect on CEA-positive gastric cancer cells.