autologous CIML NK cells

Autologous CIML NK cells (Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like Natural Killer cells) are an investigational adoptive cell therapy where a patient's own NK cells are isolated and briefly activated ex vivo with a specific cytokine cocktail of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18. This brief stimulation (typically 12-16 hours) reprograms the NK cells into a memory-like state, characterized by enhanced proliferation, improved in vivo persistence, and significantly increased effector functions, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production and direct cytotoxicity against malignant cells. Unlike CAR-NK cells, CIML NK cells rely on their innate receptor repertoire for tumor recognition, although they can be combined with targeting agents like BHV-1100 to enhance specificity. The therapy is primarily being evaluated for the treatment of relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma, as well as various solid tumors.

Other names

Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like Natural Killer cellsCIML NK cellsautologous cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells