autologous cytokine-induced killer cells

Autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are a form of adoptive cell therapy in which a patient's own peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are collected and expanded ex vivo using a combination of cytokines—typically interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-CD3 antibody, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-2 (IL-2)—to generate cytotoxic effector lymphocytes with both T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell properties[3][8]. The resulting population is characterized by CD3+CD56+ phenotype, capable of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted antitumor activity against both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies[1][3]. After expansion, these autologous CIK cells are reinfused into the patient. The therapy is generally well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects such as mild fever or fatigue[1][5]. Autologous CIK cell therapy has been investigated in multiple cancer types—including glioblastoma, lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma—and can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to enhance antitumor efficacy[2][5][7].

Other names

CIK cellsautologous CIK cellscytokine-induced killer cells