autologous DC-CIK cells

DC-CIK cells (Dendritic Cell-Cytokine Induced Killer cells) is an autologous cellular immunotherapy being investigated by Capital Medical University for the treatment of advanced malignant mesothelioma. The therapy is produced by collecting a patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and co-culturing them ex vivo with specific cytokines (such as IL-2, IFN-gamma, and anti-CD3 antibodies) to generate a heterogeneous population of effector cells. This population includes dendritic cells (DCs), which are professional antigen-presenting cells that enhance tumor-specific immune responses, and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, which are predominantly CD3+CD56+ natural killer T (NKT) cells. CIK cells exert potent, non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, often mediated by the NKG2D receptor. In clinical trials, this therapy is frequently evaluated in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and local hyperthermia to synergistically improve clinical outcomes in patients with advanced mesothelioma.

Other names

DC-CIK cellsDendritic Cell-Cytokine Induced Killer cellsautologous DC-CIK cell immunotherapyDC-CIK cells-Capital Medical University-malignant mesothelioma