autologous CIK cell therapy (Tianjin Medical University)

Autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy is an investigational adoptive cell immunotherapy developed by Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. CIK cells are a heterogeneous population of immune effector cells, primarily characterized by a mixed T-cell (CD3+) and natural killer (NK) cell (CD56+) phenotype. They are generated by the ex vivo expansion of a patient's own peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and a cocktail of cytokines, typically including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). These cells combine the potent cytotoxic activity of T cells with the non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted tumor-killing capacity of NK cells. The primary mechanism of tumor recognition is mediated by the NKG2D receptor on the CIK cells binding to ligands expressed on the surface of tumor cells. In clinical development, this therapy is being evaluated in Phase I trials as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Other names

CIK cellcytokine-induced killer cellsautologous CIK cell immunotherapyCIK cell-Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital-non-small cell lung cancer