IL-15 activated donor-derived NK cells

IL-15 activated donor-derived NK cells is an investigational allogeneic adoptive cell therapy developed by Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) for the treatment of high-risk or relapsed/refractory acute leukemia in pediatric patients. The therapy involves the ex vivo purification of natural killer (NK) cells from a healthy allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant donor, followed by expansion and activation using the cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15). Once infused into the patient—typically in the early post-transplant period—these activated NK cells are designed to identify and eliminate residual leukemic blasts. The mechanism of action relies on the NK cells' innate ability to recognize tumor cells through 'missing self' signals (mediated by the absence of inhibitory signals from killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors) and the engagement of activating receptors, such as NKG2D, with stress-induced ligands on the surface of leukemic cells. This approach aims to augment the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect while minimizing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Other names

IL-15 activated NK cellsIL15 activated NK cellsIL 15 activated NK cellsdonor-derived NK cellsallogeneic NK cellsIL-15 activated donor-derived natural killer cellsIL15 activated donor-derived natural killer cellsIL 15 activated donor-derived natural killer cells