DC-CIK Therapy
Dendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer (DC-CIK) therapy is an innovative immunotherapy that combines dendritic cells (DCs) and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This approach aims to harness the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Mechanism of Action
1. Dendritic Cell Activation
- Dendritic Cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in initiating immune responses. In DC-CIK therapy, monocytes are isolated from the patient’s blood and differentiated into DCs using specific cytokines (such as GM-CSF and IL-4).
- The DCs are then loaded with tumor antigens, which can be derived from cancer cells or tumor lysates. This process helps train the DCs to recognize and present cancer-specific antigens.
2. CIK Cell Generation
- Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) Cells are a subset of T cells that can be expanded in vitro using cytokines such as IL-2, IL-1, and IFN-γ. These cells exhibit enhanced anti-tumor activity and can target a wide range of cancer cells.
- The expanded CIK cells are activated and primed for tumor recognition.
3. Combination Therapy
- The activated DCs and CIK cells are combined and reinfused into the patient.
- The DCs help to further stimulate the CIK cells, enhancing their ability to identify and destroy tumor cells.
