PBNK cells

PBNK cells (peripheral blood-derived natural killer cells) are natural killer (NK) cells isolated from human peripheral blood. NK cells are part of the innate immune system, characterized by their ability to recognize and kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells without prior antigen sensitization. PBNK cells are in a resting state in circulation and exhibit inhibitory phenotypes with limited cytotoxicity. For therapeutic use, they are typically expanded and activated ex vivo using cytokines to increase their antitumor activity. Mechanistically, PBNK cells detect abnormal cells through a balance of activating and inhibitory surface receptors (e.g., NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D), release cytolytic granules—perforin, granzymes, granulysin—and mediate apoptosis via the Fas/FasL pathway[2][1]. Clinical use focuses on cancer immunotherapy, frequently as part of adoptive cell therapy, either alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Daratumumab), leveraging antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) for synergistic antitumor effects[1][2]. Early-phase clinical trials for cancers such as multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer show promise; PBNK cells are being developed as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products for cancer treatment, often manufactured under GMP conditions for clinical use[1][2].

Other names

peripheral blood-derived natural killer cellsperipheral blood NK cells