haploidentical expanded and activated natural killer cells

Haploidentical expanded and activated natural killer (NK) cells is an investigational adoptive cell therapy being developed for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute leukemia, particularly in pediatric and young adult populations. The therapy involves isolating NK cells from a haploidentical (half-matched) donor, followed by ex vivo expansion and activation using cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15) to enhance their anti-tumor potency. The mechanism of action relies on the innate ability of NK cells to identify and lyse leukemic blasts, a process facilitated by the mismatch between donor inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and recipient HLA ligands. This graft-versus-leukemia effect is further augmented by the ex vivo activation, which increases the expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors and effector molecules. Clinical evaluation, led by Antonio Perez Martinez at Hospital Universitario La Paz in Spain, includes the LANK-2 trial assessing safety and efficacy following salvage chemotherapy.

Other names

LANK cellsactivated haploidentical NK cellshaploidentical peripheral blood natural killer cells expanded and activated with interleukin-15