UCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry have developed a unique set of tests to determine the expansion and function of natural killer cells in healthy subjects and cancer patients.
BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells have the remarkable ability to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and undifferentiated tumors. However, downregulation of NK receptors within the tumor microenvironment cause suppressed NK cell function in cancer patients. Immunotherapy using NK cells has been limited due to the difficulties in expanding the cells and generating enough functional cells for therapeutic benefit. Techniques to expand NK cells from cancer patients have also been inefficient due to cellular contamination by T cells. The Jewett research group at UCLA discovered a method to expand “super-charged” NK cells, which efficiently lyse CSCs and help tumor differentiation by secreting interferon gamma (IFN-g).
INNOVATION: UCLA researchers have established methods to test the expansion and function of NK cells, which can provide useful information regarding treatment options for cancer patients. These tests assess the following properties of NK cells: cytotoxicity, IFN-g secretion, expansion, CD16 expression, and ability to expand T cells. In addition, the tumor differentiation status in patients can be monitored via novel biomarkers.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Research tool to study NK cells and their functions
- Clinical tool to inform the use of autologous vs allogeneic NK cells for cancer treatment
- Monitoring tool for the effects of tumor treatment
ADVANTAGES:
- Uniquely determines the properties of NK cells
- Provides important information for tumor treatment
KEYWORDS: Natural killer cells, super-charged natural killer cells, cell expansion, autologous, allogeneic, CD16, biomarkers, cancer stem cells, T cells, interferon gamma, tumor differentiation, tumor treatment.