May Daher: A novel NK immune evasion strategy in AML

May Daher shared a post on X:

“Excited to share our manuscript published in Science Translational Medicine, where we describe a novel NK immune evasion strategy in AML.

We found that BATF is a key transcription factor driving epigenetic reprogramming in NK cells in AML. This TF is induced by the canonical TGF-β/SMAD pathway and leads to persistent NK cell dysfunction. This dysfunction can be prevented by deleting BATF or TGFBR2 upstream, but once established, it cannot be reversed.

Designed to overcome epigenetic scarring, we look forward to bringing this novel CAR-NK cell approach to the clinic to improve outcomes for AML patients.

Congratulations to Bijender Kumar and Anand Singh! Huge thanks to all our collaborators Kunal Rai, Hussein Abbas andAbhinav Jain.”

Katy Rezvani shared this post, adding:

“Congratulations, May Daher! It’s amazing to witness your exciting scientific discoveries unfold! Looking forward to seeing your innovative CAR-NK cell approach move to the clinic for AML. So proud of everything you’re accomplishing!”

Sources: May Daher/X and Katy Rezvani/X

May Daher is an Associate Member and Assistant Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy. Her research focuses on hematology, medical oncology, stem cell transplantation, and adoptive NK cell therapy.

Katy Rezvani, is the Sally Cooper Murray Chair in Cancer Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Previously, she was Professor of Medicine and Chief of Section of Cellular Therapy at MD Anderson. Dr. Rezvani’s research focuses on enhancing natural killer (NK) cell function against leukemia, utilizing genetic engineering techniques. Her work has led to funded Phase I/II trials in leukemia and lymphoma immunotherapy.