NK expansion feeder cells (Growth-Arrested)
Description: The NK expansion feeder cells are suitable for the ex vivo culture and expansion of human natural killer (NK) cells. The feeder cells express CD64, CD86, CD137a and membrane bound IL-21 to drive superior functionality of expanded NK cells.
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that arise from the hematopoietic lineage and kill target cells without requiring major-histocompatibility-complex recognition, making them a rapid first line of defense against cancer. NK functionality tracks with CD56 expression: CD56^bright cells (≈5 % of circulating NKs) are potent cytokine producers but relatively low in cytotoxicity, whereas CD56^dim cells are highly lytic. Target-cell killing can occur through perforin- and granzyme-mediated apoptosis, while activation through killer-activating receptors (KARs) triggers release of Fas ligand, TRAIL, and TNF-α. Within the suppressive tumor microenvironment, NK activity can be dampened, which has spurred numerous clinical trials exploring ex vivo–expanded NK or CAR-NK products as cell therapies.
Large-scale manufacturing typically relies on peripheral or umbilical cord blood, iPS-derived NKs, or immortalized NK lines, with high-dose IL-2 or IL-15 plus feeder cells to achieve clinical doses. A particularly effective feeder strategy employs “designer” K562 cells engineered to express membrane-bound IL-21 (mbIL-21) together with the co-stimulatory ligands CD64 (FcγRI), CD86 (B7-2), and CD137L (4-1BBL). CD64 and CD86 deliver potent signal-1/-2 engagement, while CD137L provides additional costimulation that enhances proliferation, survival, and metabolic fitness. Culture with mbIL-21/CD64/CD86/CD137L feeders has been shown to maximize both yield and functionality, producing highly cytotoxic NK populations that retain favorable cytokine profiles and transduction efficiencies—making this platform well suited for downstream genetic engineering and CAR-NK development.
Quantity: One vial of frozen cells (2×107 per vial)
Storage/Stability: At least 6 months at -80°C
Application: Culture and expansion of primary NK and CAR-NK cells
Freezing Medium: 70% RPMI 1640 +20% FBS+10% DMSO
Morphology: Lymphoblast
Mycoplasma Status: Negative
Caution: This product is for research use only and is not intended for therapeutic or diagnostic applications. Please contact a technical service representative for more information.
Description: The NK expansion feeder cells are suitable for the ex vivo culture and expansion of human natural killer (NK) cells. The feeder cells express CD64, CD86, CD137a and membrane bound IL-21 to drive superior functionality of expanded NK cells.
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that arise from the hematopoietic lineage and kill target cells without requiring major-histocompatibility-complex recognition, making them a rapid first line of defense against cancer. NK functionality tracks with CD56 expression: CD56^bright cells (≈5 % of circulating NKs) are potent cytokine producers but relatively low in cytotoxicity, whereas CD56^dim cells are highly lytic. Target-cell killing can occur through perforin- and granzyme-mediated apoptosis, while activation through killer-activating receptors (KARs) triggers release of Fas ligand, TRAIL, and TNF-α. Within the suppressive tumor microenvironment, NK activity can be dampened, which has spurred numerous clinical trials exploring ex vivo–expanded NK or CAR-NK products as cell therapies.
Large-scale manufacturing typically relies on peripheral or umbilical cord blood, iPS-derived NKs, or immortalized NK lines, with high-dose IL-2 or IL-15 plus feeder cells to achieve clinical doses. A particularly effective feeder strategy employs “designer” K562 cells engineered to express membrane-bound IL-21 (mbIL-21) together with the co-stimulatory ligands CD64 (FcγRI), CD86 (B7-2), and CD137L (4-1BBL). CD64 and CD86 deliver potent signal-1/-2 engagement, while CD137L provides additional costimulation that enhances proliferation, survival, and metabolic fitness. Culture with mbIL-21/CD64/CD86/CD137L feeders has been shown to maximize both yield and functionality, producing highly cytotoxic NK populations that retain favorable cytokine profiles and transduction efficiencies—making this platform well suited for downstream genetic engineering and CAR-NK development.
Quantity: One vial of frozen cells (2×107 per vial)
Storage/Stability: At least 6 months at -80°C
Application: Culture and expansion of primary NK and CAR-NK cells
Freezing Medium: 70% RPMI 1640 +20% FBS+10% DMSO
Morphology: Lymphoblast
Mycoplasma Status: Negative
Caution: This product is for research use only and is not intended for therapeutic or diagnostic applications. Please contact a technical service representative for more information.