CIK cells + NK cells

CIK cells + NK cells is a combination adoptive cellular immunotherapy composed of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Both are immune effector cell types expanded ex vivo from peripheral blood lymphocytes. - **CIK Cells** are a heterogeneous population generated by stimulating lymphocytes with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-CD3 antibodies, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). They include CD3+CD56− T-cells, CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells, and CD3−CD56+ NK-like subpopulations. These exhibit both T-cell receptor-dependent cytotoxicity and non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity similar to NK-cells[1][3]. - **NK Cells** are innate immune effectors capable of killing tumor or virally infected target cells without prior sensitization or MHC restriction. The combination therapy leverages the complementary mechanisms of both populations to enhance antitumor efficacy. Clinical studies have shown that alternating or combining infusions of CIK and NK cells can improve prognosis in cancer patients—especially in solid tumors such as breast cancer—by reducing recurrence risk after surgery[2]. The mechanism involves direct cytotoxicity against tumor targets via activating receptors like NKG2D on both cell types, secretion of cytokines such as IFNγ, and modulation of the host immune response[3]. This approach is under clinical investigation for various cancers; it has been used as adjuvant therapy post-surgery to eliminate residual disease and prevent metastasis[2]. The safety profile is generally favorable with low risk for graft-versus-host disease due to minimal alloreactivity.

Other names

cytokine-induced killer cells + natural killer cellsCIK cell and NK cell combination therapyCIK/NK cell immunotherapy