Cytokine-induced killer cells as immunotherapy for solid tumors: current evidence and perspectives

Immunotherapy. 2015;7(9):999-1010. doi: 10.2217/imt.15.61. Epub 2015 Aug 27.

Abstract

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo expanded T lymphocytes endowed with potent MHC-independent antitumor activity. CIK cells are emerging as promising therapeutic approach in the field of cancer adoptive immunotherapy, with biologic features favoring their transferability into clinical applications. Aim of this review is to present the biologic characteristic of CIK cells, discussing the main preclinical findings and initial clinical applications in the field of solid tumors.

Keywords: adoptive immunotherapy; cytokine-induced killer cells; solid tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells / immunology*
  • Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells / transplantation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive*
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • KLRK1 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K