neoantigen-expanded autologous dendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer cells

Neoantigen-expanded autologous dendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer cells represent an advanced form of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. This therapy involves isolating a patient's own (autologous) immune cells, specifically dendritic cells (DCs) and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. The dendritic cells are engineered or pulsed with patient-specific neoantigens, which are unique tumor-specific antigens, to 'educate' them to recognize and present these cancer markers. These activated, neoantigen-loaded dendritic cells are then co-cultured with CIK cells, a heterogeneous population of T lymphocytes (characterized by CD3+CD56+ expression) that possess potent anti-tumor activity, including MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity. The combination aims to significantly enhance the anti-tumor immune response by leveraging the antigen-presenting capabilities of DCs and the direct cytotoxic effects and cytokine secretion of CIK cells. The expanded and activated cell product is subsequently reinfused into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells. This approach is being investigated for various solid tumors.

Other names

Dendritic cell-activated cytokine-induced killer cellsAutologous dendritic and cytokine-induced killer cells