Recent research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis is increasingly focusing on Natural Killer (NK) cells. These cells, part of the body’s innate immune system, are known for their ability to identify and eliminate infected or abnormal cells. They also play a significant role in modulating inflammatory responses through interactions with other immune cells and the release of signaling molecules. However, despite growing interest, clinical evidence supporting NK cell therapy as a treatment for these conditions is still in its infancy.
In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, a Phase I clinical study conducted in 2025 explored the safety of expanded NK cells in a small group of patients. Eleven participants received intravenous infusions of autologous, non-genetically modified expanded NK cells at three-week intervals. The primary goal was to evaluate safety, while also monitoring cognitive functions and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers linked to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Early results showed no adverse effects directly attributed to the NK cell product and indicated preliminary changes in some cognitive measures and biomarkers, such as pTau181 and GFAP. However, the study’s limited size and scope mean that larger and more in-depth trials are necessary to confirm any potential clinical benefits of NK cell therapy in slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Similarly, research has been exploring the role of NK cells in Parkinson’s disease. A 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlighted that NK cells might interact with and degrade alpha-synuclein aggregates in both laboratory and animal models. The study also found that the depletion of NK cells in a mouse model led to increased alpha-synuclein pathology and neuroinflammation, suggesting a regulatory function of NK cells in immune activity associated with Parkinson’s disease. Despite these findings, the evidence remains largely preclinical, and there is no established proof that NK cell therapy can treat Parkinson’s disease in humans.
The role of NK cells in neuroinflammation and neurological diseases is complex, with different populations of NK cells performing varied functions depending on the disease type, stage, and tissue environment. This complexity suggests that simply increasing NK cell numbers may not yield beneficial outcomes. Researchers are therefore investigating which NK cell populations, activation states, doses, and treatment schedules might be effective. Critical questions remain about the efficacy of NK cell therapies, including their ability to influence the central nervous system, duration of activity, patient eligibility, and impact on long-term disease progression.
At present, NK cell therapy is still an investigational field in cellular medicine. While initial laboratory and human studies have sparked interest, more extensive clinical trials are essential to determine its effectiveness and long-term safety. Individuals considering cellular therapies should consult qualified healthcare professionals and carefully evaluate the scientific evidence, safety data, and regulatory status of such treatments. As of now, NK cell therapy should not be considered an established treatment for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been provided by independent third-party contributors, clients, or content partners. We do not independently verify the accuracy, completeness, legality, ownership, licensing, or reliability of submitted content, including text, images, videos, trademarks, or other media materials. The submitting party is solely responsible for ensuring that all content, including images and media assets, complies with applicable copyright, trademark, licensing, and intellectual property laws. We disclaim liability for any unauthorized use of copyrighted or proprietary materials by third parties. If you believe that any content published on this platform infringes your intellectual property rights, kindly contact the author above for prompt review and resolution.