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Generation of natural killer cells from hematopoietic stem cells in vitro for immunotherapy

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 9, pages 310–320 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and are an alluring option for immunotherapy due to their ability to kill infected cells or cancer cells without prior sensitization. Throughout the past 20 years, different groups have been able to reproduce NK cell development in vitro, and NK cell ontogeny studies have provided the basis for the establishment of protocols to produce NK cells in vitro for immunotherapy. Here, we briefly discuss NK cell development and NK cell immunotherapy approaches. We review the factors needed for NK cell differentiation in vitro, which stem cell sources have been used, published protocols, challenges and future directions for Good Manufacturing Practice protocols.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Sergio Querol and Professor Salim Khakoo for their precious advices.

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  1. Anthony Nolan Research Institute, and University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK

    Martha Luevano, Alejandro Madrigal & Aurore Saudemont

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  1. Martha Luevano
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  2. Alejandro Madrigal
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Correspondence to Alejandro Madrigal.

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Luevano, M., Madrigal, A. & Saudemont, A. Generation of natural killer cells from hematopoietic stem cells in vitro for immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 9, 310–320 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2012.17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2012.17

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