iPSC-derived natural killer cells

iPSC-derived natural killer (NK) cells are an allogeneic, off-the-shelf immunotherapy derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including lytic granule release of perforins and granzymes, production of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and TNFα), and direct cell contact mediated apoptosis through TRAIL and Fas-FasL interaction. iPSC-derived NK cells allow for routine targeted introduction of genetic modifications and expansion of the resulting NK cells derived from a clonal starting cell population. Studies have shown that iPSC-NK cells demonstrate comparable or greater cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines (including ovarian, colon, and breast cancer) compared to peripheral blood NK cells. Their ability to be easily differentiated and expanded makes them a viable resource for immunotherapy that can be banked and used to treat multiple patients.

Other names

iPSC-NK cells