DC-activated CIK cells

DC-activated CIK cells represent an autologous cellular immunotherapy platform designed to enhance the anti-tumor activity of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. In this therapeutic approach, dendritic cells (DCs) are typically isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and then sensitized or preloaded with immunogenic peptides, such as those derived from prostate cancer stem-like cell (PCSC)-associated molecules like CD44 and EpCAM. These activated DCs are subsequently co-cultured with expanded peripheral blood lymphocyte-derived CIK cells, which significantly boosts their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. This therapy has demonstrated promising in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects in xenograft models for targeting prostate cancer stem-like cells. Furthermore, it has shown clinical efficacy in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, leading to improved overall survival rates. The mechanism involves increasing the ratio of CD3(+)CD56(+) cells, promoting cell proliferation, lessening cell apoptosis of the CIK cells, and up-regulating the production of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFN-gamma, MIG, TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta.

Other names

DC-CIK cellsimmunogenic peptide-sensitized DC-CIK-based cell preparation