What are NK cells and their vesicles?

Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the body’s immune system. Their job is to keep the body safe by removing infected or damaged cells. As part of their normal activity, NK cells release tiny nanoparticles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). These vesicles carry messages – proteins, fats, and genetic material – and travel throughout the body via the bloodstream including crossing the blood-brain barrier, mediating intercellular communication to influence how other cells behave.

How can NK-EVs help in Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is driven by three key problems: chronic brain inflammation, accumulation of harmful misfolded proteins like amyloid β and tau, and disrupted communication between brain cells. NK-EVs have natural properties that may help target and correct all three. They offer a multi-pronged approach to Alzheimer’s disease, a much-needed strategy beyond the current ‘standards of care’ of targeting just the symptoms and single problems that ultimately translates to only small improvements.  

NK-EVs help calm harmful brain inflammation by signalling overactive microglia to reduce damage and adopt a healing mode, creating a healthier environment for brain cells. They also support the clearance of toxic misfolded protein variations of amyloid β and tau, enhancing microglial cleanup and boosting natural breakdown processes. Together, these effects protect brain cells and their connections, supporting neuron function, preserving synapses, and potentially slowing or reversing disease-related damage.

How do NK-EVs reach the brain?

One of the biggest challenges in treating Alzheimer’s is the blood–brain barrier, which blocks many drugs from entering the brain.
Evinco Therapeutics is developing NK-EVs that are small and flexible enough to:

• Cross the blood–brain barrier
• Travel to areas of inflammation
• Targeted delivery of helpful cargo directly to brain cells
• Administration via nose-to-brain route (intranasal) 

This makes them a promising delivery system for next-generation treatments for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

View our slide deck: Immune Therapy for Neurological Disorders

While our initial focus is Alzheimer’s disease, Evinco’s NK-EV platform also has potential applications in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Parkinson’s disease, reflecting the broader versatility of our immune-derived therapeutic approach. See full overview in the slide deck: Intranasal NK-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Brain-First Treatment of Neuroinflammation