allogeneic natural killer cells (Masonic Cancer Center)

This investigational allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy was developed at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The therapy consists of CD3-depleted, haploidentical donor-derived NK cells that are activated ex vivo with aldesleukin (IL-2). The therapeutic strategy utilizes KIR-ligand mismatch between the donor and recipient to bypass MHC class I-mediated inhibition of NK cells, thereby enhancing their cytotoxic potential. It is typically administered following lymphodepleting chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide and fludarabine) and in combination with rituximab. The combination with rituximab is designed to trigger antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), where the infused NK cells target CD20-positive malignant B cells. This early research iteration at the University of Minnesota served as the foundation for the subsequent development of GDA-201, a nicotinamide-expanded NK cell product.

Other names

aldesleukin-activated allogeneic natural killer cellsIL-2 activated NK cellsIL2 activated NK cellsIL 2 activated NK cellshaploidentical natural killer cellsallogeneic natural killer cells-Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota-non-Hodgkin lymphoma-chronic lymphocytic leukemia