ANKL

ANKL (Autologous ex-vivo Expanded Activated NK Cell-lymphocytes) is an autologous cell-based immunotherapy developed by The Catholic University of Korea for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The therapy involves the ex-vivo expansion and activation of natural killer (NK) cells derived from a patient's own peripheral blood. These activated NK cell-enriched lymphocytes are re-infused intravenously, typically following chemotherapy to exploit the chemotherapy-induced upregulation of NK cell ligands on tumor cells. The mechanism of action relies on the NKG2D receptor on the NK cells recognizing stress-induced ligands such as MICA and MICB on the surface of cancer cells, leading to direct cytotoxic activity and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

Autologous ex-vivo Expanded Activated NK Cell-lymphocytesEx vivo-expanded NK cell enriched lymphocytes