Key Cytokines Involved in NK Cell Activation

In the field of immune cell culture, natural killer (NK) cells, as the third largest type of lymphocytes, have gained significant attention for their remarkable ability to spontaneously recognize and eliminate abnormal cells in the body. The successful culture and expansion of NK cells require not only advanced culturing technologies and an optimal growth environment but also the precise regulation of cytokines to ensure their functionality and efficacy.

Role of Cytokines

Cytokines play a crucial role in the maturation, activation, proliferation, and functionality of NK cells. In specific, these cytokines influence the growth cycle, cytotoxic effect, and interactions with other immune cells of NK cells through specific signaling pathways.

Cytokines for NK Cell Activation

 In the NK cell culture, there are several cytokines widely used in making significant activation effects.

• IL-2: IL-2 is a potent T cell and NK cell growth factor that promotes the proliferation and activation of NK cells, enhancing the cytotoxic effect.

• Il-7: IL-7 promotes the proliferation, differentiation and maturation of NK cells, as well as enhances their functional activity.

• IL-12: IL-12 enhances the antigen sensitivity of NK cells, making them more effective at recognizing and attacking target cells.

• IL-15: IL-15 plays a crucial role in the proliferation and differentiation of NK cells, while also maintaining long-term survival and functionality.

• IL-18: In synergy with IL-12, IL-18 further enhances the antigen sensitivity and cytotoxicity of NK cells.

• IL-21: IL-21 not only promotes the proliferation of NK cells but also enhances their cytotoxic effect, enabling them to more effectively eliminate abnormal cells in the body.  

Cytokine Combination to Optimize NK Cell Expansion and Cytotoxicity

 To enhance the expansion and cytotoxic activity of NK cells, a combination of several cytokines is often used. For example, when culturing NK cells derived from peripheral blood, cytokines like IL-2, IL-15 and mitomycin-treated K562 cells are typically used as feeder cells to simulate NK cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition to K562 feeder cell culture, pure cytokine combinations can also be applied. For NK cells derived from umbilical cord blood, cytokine combinations such as SCF, IL-7, FLT-3L, and IL-15, are commonly used to drive the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into NK cells.

East-Mab Bio Product Features

lHigh purity: >=95% (SDS-PAGE, HPLC verified)

lHigh activity: cell viability detection, Flow cytometry testing, ELISA

lLarge-scale production: maximum 1000 L fermentation

lLow endotoxin: <=10 EU/mg (several products lower than 0.5EU/mg)

lFreeze-dried powder form, high stability

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Proteins for NK Cell Culture