Alfa Cytology is committed to providing comprehensive preclinical solutions for the creation and optimization of CIK therapies targeting pancreatic cancer, offering clients a streamlined and effective approach to developing cutting-edge immunotherapies.
Introduction to CIK Therapy
Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) therapy is a promising form of cellular immunotherapy, which is characterized by the use of a heterogeneous population of immune cells, primarily derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are expanded and activated in vitro using cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and anti-CD3 antibodies. The resultant CIK cells consist of CD3+CD56- (T cells), CD3+CD56+ (NKT cells), and CD3-CD56+ (NK cells) subpopulations, exhibiting both T-cell and NK-cell-like properties, which enables them to target and kill tumor cells effectively.
Fig. 1 Innovative combination strategies with CIK cells. (Cappuzzello E, et al, 2023)
CIK Therapy Development for Pancreatic Cancer
Although CIK therapies for pancreatic cancer are still in the early stages of development, the results of these trials are generally encouraging. Several small studies have shown that CIK cell therapies, when used in combination with chemotherapy or other treatments, can improve overall treatment outcomes and prolong survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Some notable examples include:
| ClinicalTrials.gov ID | Sponsor | Study Title | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01781520 | Capital Medical University | Study of S-1 Plus DC-CIK for Patients With Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer | Phase I/II |
| NCT03509298 | Fuda Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou | Study of Activated Cytokine-induced Killer Armed With Bispecific Antibody for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer | Phase II |
| NCT05955157 | University of Malaya | Combined S-1 With DC+CIK As Maintenance Therapy For Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma | Phase II/III |
| NCT02406846 | Fuda Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou | The Detection of CTCs in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Cryosurgery Combined With DC-CIK Treatment | / |
Our Services
The tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer is highly immunosuppressive, making the development of CIK therapies for pancreatic tumors face a number of hurdles. Alfa Cytology aims to provide comprehensive preclinical services to help researchers overcome the dense stroma and immunosuppression that characterize pancreatic cancer, and to improve the safety and efficacy of CIK cell therapies for pancreatic cancer patients.
CIK Cell Isolation and Expansion Services
Our service consists of extracting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from donor samples and then stimulating and proliferating these cells using cytokine-based protocols to generate a robust CIK cell population with high cytotoxic potential, ensuring that CIK cells are prepared in optimal quantity and quality.
- Leukapheresis Technology: Utilized for the efficient collection of PBMCs from donor blood.
- Cytokine Stimulation Kits: Includes IFN-γ, anti-CD3 antibody, and IL-2 for optimal CIK cell expansion.
- Cell Culture Systems: Advanced culture systems that support large-scale expansion of CIK cells under controlled conditions.
CIK Cell Genetic Modification Service
Through advanced cell and genetic engineering platform, we support the creation of genetically modified CIK cells to enhance the ability of CIK cells to target specific tumor antigens and resist immune evasion mechanisms.
- CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: Used for precise and efficient genetic alterations in CIK cells.
- Viral Vector Systems: Employs lentiviral or retroviral vectors for stable gene delivery and expression.
- Electroporation Technology: A technique for introducing genetic material into CIK cells through electrical pulses.
Our preclinical research services are designed to help researchers evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential of CIK cells in in vivo and in vitro model systems before entering human trials. Our highlighted services are listed below, please select the one you are interested in to learn more.
Alfa Cytology's comprehensive CIK therapy development service is designed to support the rapid translation of innovative therapies from the laboratory to therapeutic application, providing clients with a one-stop solution that addresses every aspect of the development process. Please do not hesitate to contact us for detailed advice and support.
Reference
- Cappuzzello E, et al. How can Cytokine-induced killer cells overcome CAR-T cell limits. Front. Immunol. 2023, 14:1229540.
