Generation of natural killer cells from serum-free, expanded human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors of the innate immune system, which exhibits cytolytic activity against infectious agents and tumor cells. NK cells are derived from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been recognized as a rich source of HSCs...

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Published inStem cells and development Vol. 16; no. 6; p. 1043
Main Authors Kao, I-Ting, Yao, Chao-Ling, Kong, Zwe-Ling, Wu, Mei-Ling, Chuang, Tzu-Lin, Hwang, Shiaw-Min
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2007
Subjects
Antigens, CD34 - blood
Cell Differentiation
Cell Survival
Culture Media
Female
Fetal Blood - cytology
Hematopoietic Stem Cells - cytology
Hematopoietic Stem Cells - immunology
Humans
Killer Cells, Natural - cytology
Killer Cells, Natural - immunology
Pregnancy
Umbilical Cord - cytology
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Summary:Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors of the innate immune system, which exhibits cytolytic activity against infectious agents and tumor cells. NK cells are derived from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been recognized as a rich source of HSCs. Previously, we have reported an optimized serum-free medium for ex vivo expansion of CD34(+) cells from UCB. In this study, the serum-free, expanded CD34(+) cells were tested to differentiate into NK cells and their induction kinetics. After 5 weeks of induction, the induced NK cells were characterized by analysis of surface antigens, IFN-gamma secretion, and cytotoxicity against K562 cells. The results indicated that NK cells derived from the serum-free, expanded CD34(+) cells exhibited both characteristics and functions of NK cells. Furthermore, the serum-free, expanded CD34(+) cells showed a significantly higher NK cell differentiation potential than freshly isolated CD34(+) cells. NK cells induced from serum-free, expanded CD34(+) cells showed a higher concentration of IFN-gamma secretion and ability of cytotoxicity than those from freshly isolated CD34(+) cells. Therefore, ex vivo-expanded CD34(+) cells in optimized serum-free medium could differentiate into NK cells and provided a promising cell source for immunotherapeutic approaches.
ISSN:1547-3287
DOI:10.1089/scd.2007.0033