Cytokine-induced killer cell receptors and tumor cell ligands (CIK-Tumor Interaction)

Immuncell-LC is an autologous cell therapy consisting of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, which are a heterogeneous population of immune cells dominated by CD3+ CD56+ T cells (Jakobisiak et al., 2011). These cells function by recognizing a broad range of tumor cell antigens and ligands through receptors like NKG2D, DNAM-1, and LFA-1, independent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019). The primary interaction involves the NKG2D receptor binding to stress-induced ligands such as MICA, MICB, and UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs) that are typically upregulated on the surface of cancer cells (Cancer Immunology Research, 2017). This engagement triggers the release of cytotoxic molecules, including perforin and granzymes, leading to the direct lysis and apoptosis of the tumor cells. Immuncell-LC is specifically indicated for the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma to reduce the risk of recurrence, as demonstrated in Phase III clinical trials (Lee et al., 2015, Gastroenterology). Because it targets stress-induced ligands rather than specific mutations, it offers a versatile approach to treating heterogeneous tumors that may have downregulated MHC expression to evade traditional T-cell detection (GC Cell, 2024). The therapy is also being investigated for efficacy in other solid malignancies, including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.

Other names

NKG2D-ligand axisCIK cell targetsImmuncell-LC targetsNatural killer group 2 member D and ligands

Immuncell-LC (CIK cells) recognizes tumor cells via the NKG2D receptor binding to stress-induced ligands (MICA/B, ULBPs) on the tumor surface, leading to non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic degranulation (Lee et al., 2015, Gastroenterology).