haploidentical NK cell

Haploidentical NK cell therapy refers to the adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells derived from a partially HLA-matched (haploidentical) donor, typically a family member. These therapies are being developed as immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies—most notably acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—especially in relapsed or refractory settings. The mechanism of action is based on the innate cytotoxicity of donor-derived NK cells against tumor cells, which is enhanced when there is a mismatch between donor killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and recipient HLA ligands. This mismatch reduces inhibitory signaling and increases anti-tumor activity without causing graft-versus-host disease. Haploidentical NK cells can be administered after lymphodepleting chemotherapy and may be further activated or expanded ex vivo using cytokines such as interleukin-2 or interleukin-15 before infusion[1][2][3][4][5][7]. Clinical trials have shown that this approach can induce remission in a subset of patients with refractory AML and may serve as an adjunct to stem cell transplantation[1][2][3][4][5]. The therapy is generally well tolerated with low risk of GVHD.

Other names

haploidentical natural killer cellHLA-haploidentical NK cellallogeneic haploidentical NK cell