CIML NK cells and Methods Therefor
Cytokine induced memory like (CIML) NK cells with enhanced cytotoxicity are presented. Most typically, the CIML NK cells are derived from a mononuclear cell fraction of peripheral blood or cord blood. In further contemplated aspects, the CIML NK cells are expanded and induced in a contained and automated production environment that substantially reduces operational complexity and production cost.
1 - 15 . (canceled)
16 . A cord blood or whole blood derived cytokine induced memory like (CIML) NK cell with enhanced cytotoxicity exhibiting cytotoxicity against Merkel cell carcinoma (MS-1) cells of at least 50% killing at an effector to target cell ratio of equal or less than 5.
17 . The CIML NK cell of claim 16 wherein the CIML NK cell has a decreased expression of CD16 as compared to expanded NK cells that are contacted with N-803 alone, or wherein the CIML NK cell has a decreased expression of TIGIT as compared to expanded NK cells that are contacted with N-803 alone.
18 . The CIML NK cell of claim 16 wherein the CIML NK cell has an increased expression of CD25 and/or DNAM1 as compared to expanded NK cells that are contacted with N-803 alone.
19 . The CIML NK cell of claim 16 wherein the CIML NK cell is an autologous cell relative to an individual receiving a transfusion comprising the CIML NK cell.
20 . The CIML NK cell of claim 16 wherein the CIML NK cell is a recombinant NK cell.