dendritic cell-induced killer cells

Dendritic cell-induced killer cells (DIK细胞), also known as DC-CIK or dendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer cells, are a form of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. They are generated by co-culturing autologous or allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells with ex vivo expanded dendritic cells and cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and anti-CD3 antibody. The resulting population combines the potent antigen-presenting function of mature dendritic cells with the cytotoxic activity of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, which display both T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell phenotypes. DC-CIK therapy is designed to enhance anti-tumor immunity by improving tumor antigen presentation and stimulating broad MHC-restricted and MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity against cancerous or infected target cells. Clinical studies have shown that this approach can improve survival outcomes in patients with various solid tumors—including metastatic colorectal cancer—especially when combined with chemotherapy[7][3][8]. The mechanism involves activation of effector immune responses via increased production of interferon-gamma and IL-12, leading to enhanced recognition and lysis of tumor targets while sparing healthy tissues[5][3].

Other names

DIK细胞DC-CIKdendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer cellsdendritic cell-activated cytokine-induced killer cells