cytokine-induced killer cell therapy (Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital)

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy is an adoptive cellular immunotherapy involving the ex vivo expansion and activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These cells are typically generated by sequential incubation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies, and interleukin-2 (IL-2). The resulting population is a heterogeneous mix of T lymphocytes, primarily characterized by the co-expression of CD3 and CD56. CIK cells possess potent, non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxic activity against a broad range of hematological and solid tumors. Their anti-tumor effect is largely mediated by the interaction between the NKG2D receptor on CIK cells and its ligands (such as MICA/B) on target tumor cells. CIK therapy combines the rapid cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells with the robust proliferation and longevity of T cells, while maintaining a relatively low risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).