cord blood-natural killer cells

Cord blood-natural killer cells are immune effector cells isolated and expanded from human umbilical cord blood for use in adoptive cell therapy, particularly for cancer. These cells are a form of allogeneic NK (natural killer) cells that can recognize and destroy tumor cells independently of prior sensitization or MHC restriction. They have been investigated as “off-the-shelf” cell therapy products that do not require donor-patient HLA matching, and are used in both native and genetically engineered forms (such as CAR-NK). Their main mechanism is exerting cytotoxicity against malignant cells through natural cytotoxicity receptors and the release of perforin and granzymes. Cord blood NK cells are being tested in a range of solid and hematologic malignancies, and clinical trials have reported promising antitumor effects with low toxicity and minimal graft-versus-host disease. Ex vivo expansion is often used to increase cell yield and function prior to infusion. Developers include academic research groups and biotechnology companies[1][3][5][2][9].

Other names

cord blood-derived natural killer cellsCB-NK cellsumbilical cord blood natural killer cellsUCB-derived NK cells