Analysis of the impact of handling and culture on the expansion and functionality of NK cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that play a key role in elimination tumor and virus-infected cells. Unlike T cells, NK cell activation is governed by their direct interaction with target via inhibitory activating receptors present on cytoplasmic membrane. The simplicity this mechanism has allowed development immunotherapies based transduction CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) constructs for treatment cancer. Despite advantages CAR-NK therapy over CAR-T, including inability to cause graft-versus-host disease allogenic therapies, deeper understanding impact handling needed order increase functionality applicability. With mind, work critically examines steps required isolation, expansion storage, analyze response these manipulations. results show magnetic-assisted sorting, traditionally used increases CD16+ population cultures only if protocol includes both, antibody incubation passage through isolation column. Furthermore, importance surface potential cellular responses, influence surfaces different net charge been evaluated, showing displayed higher proliferation rates charged than non-charged ones. highlights relevance manipulation improving applicability effectiveness cell-based therapies.