autologous activated NK cells

**Autologous activated NK cells** are patient-derived natural killer (NK) cells harvested from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), expanded and activated ex vivo using cytokines such as IL-2, often with stimulants like OK-432 or feeder cells (e.g., irradiated modified fibroblasts), and reinfused intravenously to enhance antitumor immunity. NK cells exert innate cytotoxicity against tumor cells via mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), recognition of stress-induced ligands through activating receptors like NKG2D and CD16, and production of perforin/granzyme without MHC restriction or prior sensitization. Primarily investigated as monotherapy or adjuvant in phase I/II trials for refractory solid tumors (e.g., colorectal, digestive, ovarian cancers) and hematologic malignancies, showing good tolerability, no severe adverse events in multiple studies, elevated peripheral cytotoxicity post-infusion, and promising feasibility in multimodal settings, though clinical responses vary and larger efficacy trials are needed.[1][2][3][5][11]

Other names

autologous NK cellsautologous natural killer cellsactivated autologous NK cellsexpanded and activated autologous NK cellsNKAEs