Engineered NK92 cell-derived exosomes inhibit ovarian cancer progression by degrading GPRC5A

Natural killer (NK) 92 (NK92) cells are critical immune-effectors with established roles in treating metastatic and hematological malignancies. Owing to the substantial adverse effects, including cytokine release syndrome, associated with NK92 cell therapy, research interest has pivoted toward the safer and potentially more efficient exosome-based approaches. However, the composition, properties, and functions of NK92 cell-derived exosomes remain largely unknown.

In this study, NK92 cell-derived exosomes were isolated via ultracentrifugation. Small RNA sequencing and proteomic sequencing were performed on both the cells and their exosomes. To enhance exosome targeting to tumor cells, the tLyP-1 targeting peptide was displayed on NK92 cell surfaces through genetic engineering. The mechanism underlying tumor therapy mediated by NK92 cell-derived exosomes was investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, we designed a cholesterol-modified ABCB1 siRNA that adsorbs onto exosome surfaces and enters recipient cells to silence target genes.

First, small RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis of NK92 cells and NK92 cell-derived exosomes revealed that the exosomes retained the anti-tumor activity of parental NK cells, inhibiting tumor progression by modulating apoptosis, proliferation, and metastasis. Second, tLyP-1-modified exosomes exhibited enhanced tumor-targeting specificity and exerted anti-tumor effects via the miR-31-5p-GPRC5A axis. Furthermore, NK92 cell-derived exosomes effectively delivered ABCB1 siRNA into recipient cells, mediating efficient gene silencing to sensitize chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells to therapeutic agents.

Overall, this study provides a novel strategy to treat ovarian cancer through the preparation of genetically modified NK92 cell-derived exosomes loaded with RNA interference.