natural killer cell infusion (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)

Natural killer (NK) cell infusion, specifically the haploidentical version developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is an adoptive cellular immunotherapy used to treat pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma. These NK cells are typically harvested from a haploidentical donor (such as a parent) and processed to remove T cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The therapeutic approach leverages the innate anti-tumor activity of NK cells, which is further enhanced by KIR-HLA mismatching between donor and recipient to prevent the inhibition of NK cell activity by the patient's own MHC molecules. In the St. Jude protocol, these cells are administered following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and in combination with rituximab to facilitate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against CD20-positive lymphoblasts. The primary goal of this therapy is to induce remission or achieve minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, often serving as a bridge to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Other names

haploidentical natural killer cell infusionallogeneic natural killer cell infusionNK cell immunotherapyhaploidentical NK cells