mbIL21

mbIL21 refers to **membrane-bound interleukin-21**, a genetically engineered form of the cytokine IL-21 presented on the surface of feeder cells (typically derived from the K562 cell line) and used **ex vivo** to promote robust expansion and activation of human natural killer (NK) cells for adoptive cell therapy. Unlike soluble cytokines, mbIL21—expressed on artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs)—provides sustained signaling that dramatically increases NK cell proliferation, functional activation, cytotoxicity, and reduces cellular senescence by promoting longer telomeres and persistent activity. mbIL21 drives NK cell growth primarily through activation of the IL-21 receptor-dependent STAT3/cMyc signaling pathway, thereby enhancing metabolic reprogramming needed for proliferation and tumor cell killing. mbIL21-expanded NK cells have been used in phase 1 clinical trials for high-risk and refractory leukemia and myeloid malignancies, particularly in the context of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haploHSCT)[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Brand names

mbIL21mbIL-21mbIL 21

Other names

membrane-bound IL-21mbIL-21mbIL21mbIL 21