Fig. 3.

Overview of strategies to improve cancer therapies using CIML and CAR-CIML NK cells. a CIML NK cells can exhibit anticancer activity via multiple mechanisms including CAR activation, ADCC and stress-related signals on tumor cells. b The activity of CIML and CAR-CIML cells can be further enhanced by using antibody or CRISPR-based strategies to block checkpoint pathways like NKG2A. c The activating signals can be boosted by increasing their expression as well as CAR-CIML NK cells can be engineered to release cytokines and other activating molecules for increased persistence and cytotoxic activity. d CAR-CIML NK cells can also be engineered to release TME-modulating agents like IL-12 for promoting a pro-inflammatory milieu