CIK cells + PD-1 inhibitor

Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells + PD-1 inhibitor is a combination immunotherapy approach that merges adoptive cell transfer of CIK cells with pharmacological inhibition of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway. CIK cells are ex vivo expanded immune effector lymphocytes with both T-cell and natural killer (NK)-like properties, capable of non-MHC-restricted tumor cytotoxicity. The addition of a PD-1 inhibitor—typically a monoclonal antibody such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or toripalimab—blocks the inhibitory signaling mediated by the interaction between PD-1 on immune effector cells and its ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2) on tumor or other microenvironmental cells. This dual strategy aims to enhance antitumor immunity by both increasing direct cytotoxicity via CIK infusion and preventing exhaustion or suppression of these effectors through checkpoint blockade. Preclinical studies have shown that this combination increases cytokine production (e.g., IFN-gamma), granzyme B release, and overall tumoricidal activity in various cancer models including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and others[2][4][5][6][9][10]. Early clinical evidence suggests improved response rates and tolerability compared to monotherapies[6][10].

Other names

cytokine-induced killer cells plus PD-1 inhibitorCIK cell therapy plus PD-1 blockadeCIK cells and anti-PD-1 antibody