Cytokine-induced killer cells promote antitumor immunity

Abstract

The number of immune cells, especially dendritic cells and cytotoxic tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), particularly Th1 cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells is associated with increased survival of cancer patients. Such antitumor cellular immune responses can be greatly enhanced by adoptive transfer of activated type 1 lymphocytes. Recently, adoptive cell therapy based on infusion of ex vivo expanded TILs has achieved substantial clinical success. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are a heterogeneous population of effector CD8 T cells with diverse TCR specificities, possessing non-MHC-restricted cytolytic activities against tumor cells. Preclinical studies of CIK cells in murine tumor models demonstrate significant antitumor effects against a number of hematopoietic and solid tumors. Clinical studies have confirmed benefit and safety of CIK cell-based therapy for patients with comparable malignancies. Enhancing the potency and specificity of CIK therapy via immunological and genetic engineering approaches and identifying robust biomarkers of response will significantly improve this therapy.

Effect of cytokine-induced killer cells on immune function in patients with lung cancer

“…Adaptive and innate cellular immunity are important factors that act against tumor growth and aid the clearance of cancer (14). Adoptive immunotherapy relies on the ability of the body to efficiently kill tumor cells and promote immune responses (9).…”

“…Adoptive immunotherapy relies on the ability of the body to efficiently kill tumor cells and promote immune responses (9). The number of immune cells, particularly type 1 T helper (Th1) cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) and NKT cells is associated with the survival of cancer patients (14). Such antitumor cellular immune responses may be greatly enhanced by adoptive transfer of CIK cells (14,15).…”

Clinical outcome of immunotherapy with dendritic cell vaccine and cytokine-induced killer cell therapy in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer

“…CIK cells thus have the potential to eradicate residual cancer cells, thereby preventing recurrence following tumor resection. These properties have led to CIK cells being included in immunotherapy strategies against cancer (1,(23)(24)(25). Immunotherapy is commonly used together with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine and other cancer therapies (26)(27)(28)(29).…”

Effect of Chinese Medicine XIAOJI Decoction Combined with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Transfusion of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells in Patients with Stage III B/IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

“…CIK cells were prepared by the Cell Laboratory of ZMKS International Cancer Therapy Biotechnologies Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China) according to previous reports [16,17]. Briefly, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected using Ficoll density gradient (Tianjin Haoyang Biological Manufacture Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China), rinsed twice by saline solution, and then suspended in AIM-V medium CTS™ (Therapeutic grade, GIBCO, Invitrogen Co., USA).…”