Research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and multiple sclerosis is increasingly focusing on Natural Killer (NK) cells, a component of the innate immune system known for its ability to identify and respond to infected or abnormal cells. These cells are also involved in modulating inflammatory responses through their interactions with other immune cells and the release of signaling molecules. While the potential of NK cell therapy in these conditions is intriguing, researchers caution that the clinical evidence is still in its infancy and thus far does not support its use as a treatment.
In the realm of Alzheimer’s disease, a Phase I clinical study conducted in 2025 explored the safety of using expanded NK cells in patients. This study, which involved 11 participants, monitored ten of them for cognitive measures and biomarkers related to neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, amyloid, and tau. The participants received intravenous infusions of an autologous, non-genetically modified expanded NK cell product at intervals of three weeks. No adverse effects linked to the NK cell product were reported, and there were preliminary changes observed in certain cognitive measures and biomarkers such as pTau181 and GFAP. However, this study was not designed to determine the efficacy of NK cell therapy in preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, necessitating further research through larger trials.
Interest in NK cells extends to Parkinson’s disease, where preclinical research has suggested that these cells might interact with and degrade alpha-synuclein aggregates, a hallmark of the disease. A 2020 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlighted that the depletion of NK cells in a mouse model resulted in increased alpha-synuclein pathology and neuroinflammation. These findings indicate a potential role for NK cells in modulating immune activity related to Parkinson’s disease, though their therapeutic application in human patients remains unproven and requires further investigation.
Understanding the role of NK cells in neurological diseases is complex due to the diverse functions of different NK cell populations, which can vary with disease type, stage, and tissue environment. Researchers are exploring which populations, activation states, doses, and treatment schedules might be beneficial. Critical questions persist about the ability of infused NK cells to impact the central nervous system, their duration of activity, the patients who might benefit, and whether these treatments can alter disease progression long-term. While changes in biomarkers or inflammatory signals are encouraging, they do not yet confirm that NK cell therapy can maintain cognitive or neurological function.
Currently, NK cell therapy is an emerging area in cellular medicine, with ongoing laboratory and early human research generating interest. Nonetheless, more clinical studies are necessary to establish its effectiveness and long-term safety. Individuals considering cellular therapies should consult with healthcare professionals and assess the scientific evidence, safety data, and regulatory status. It is crucial to recognize that NK cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases remains investigational and should not be viewed as an established treatment option for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
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