Development of natural killer cells and functional natural killer cell lines

摘要

The invention relates to natural killer cells and methods for the development of immortalized natural killer cells and use of the natural killer cells. A growth and culture system is described that supports increased natural killer cell development, and provides for the establishment of continuous natural killer cell lines. Additionally, the disclosed method for generating natural killer cells may be used to produce large numbers of natural killer cells for therapeutic applications and for natural killer cell research.

主权项

1. A method for producing natural killer precursor and/or natural killer cells in vitro or ex vivo, the method comprising bringing a population of hematopoietic progenitor cells or light-density mononuclear cells or embryonic stem cells into contact with IL-7, Flt3L and Jagged2, and culturing said population of hematopoietic progenitor or light-density mononuclear cells or embryonic stem cells for between 35 and 45 days, whereby a natural killer precursor and/or natural killer cell is produced.