non-transduced cytokine-induced killer cells

Non-transduced cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are a heterogeneous population of ex vivo expanded immune effector cells, primarily characterized by a CD3+CD56+ phenotype, which combines the cytotoxic potential of T lymphocytes with the MHC-unrestricted tumor recognition capabilities of natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are typically generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through a standardized culture process involving sequential stimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies, and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Unlike CAR-CIK cells, non-transduced CIK cells have not undergone genetic modification to express chimeric antigen receptors. They exert potent antitumor activity primarily through the engagement of the NKG2D receptor with stress-induced ligands (such as MICA/B and ULBPs) expressed on malignant cells. In clinical research, they serve as a baseline cellular platform for genetic engineering or as a standalone adoptive immunotherapy due to their favorable safety profile and minimal risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in allogeneic settings. In the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research, they are frequently used as a control to evaluate the enhanced specificity and efficacy of dual-CAR engineered CIK cells.

Other names

unmodified cytokine-induced killer cellsNT CIKnon-modified cytokine-induced killer cells