Natural Killer cells

NK Immune Cells, also known as Natural Killer Cells, are vital members of the human immune system, acting as loyal guardians that constantly protect our health. Originating from bone marrow stem cells, they are widely distributed in the blood, peripheral lymphoid tissues, liver, spleen, and other organs, and are a type of lymphocyte. Unlike other immune cells, NK cells do not require prior exposure to antigens to directly recognize and kill target cells. This innate ability allows them to respond rapidly and defend against disease invasion.

Within the complex network of the immune system, NK cells play a unique and critical role. When the body is infected by viruses such as influenza or hepatitis B, NK cells can quickly respond by directly attacking virus-infected cells, preventing further spread and replication of the virus. In the battle against tumors, NK cells are at the forefront. They can identify and eliminate mutated tumor cells by releasing toxic substances like perforin and granzymes, which puncture the cell membranes of tumor cells, causing their contents to leak out and leading to cell death. Additionally, NK cells secrete cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. By attacking tumors from multiple angles, NK cells effectively inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Cancer-Related Applications
In the challenging journey of cancer treatment, NK cell infusion has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering new possibilities for many patients.

Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide, has long been a focal point of medical research. In the treatment of lung cancer, NK cell infusion plays a significant role. For early-stage lung cancer patients, NK cells can help eliminate residual cancer cells after surgical tumor removal, reducing the risk of recurrence. By infusing NK cells, they can precisely identify and destroy cancer cells hidden in the body, akin to clearing out remaining enemies on a battlefield, providing stronger support for patient recovery. For advanced-stage lung cancer patients, especially those who are ineligible for surgery or resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, NK cell infusion becomes a crucial treatment option. It can be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to achieve synergistic effects. When combined with chemotherapy, NK cells can mitigate the damage to normal cells caused by chemotherapy drugs while enhancing their cancer-killing efficacy. When combined with immunotherapy, such as PD-1 inhibitors, NK cells can further activate the immune system, breaking down the immune evasion mechanisms of tumor cells and benefiting more patients. Clinical studies have shown that some advanced lung cancer patients receiving NK cell infusion combined with other therapies experienced effective tumor control, significantly prolonged survival, and improved quality of life.

Applications in Other Diseases
The use of NK cell infusion is not limited to cancer treatment; it has also shown potential in treating other diseases.

In the field of antiviral therapy, NK cell infusion holds significant promise for treating viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B and C are common viral infections of the liver that, if left untreated, can progress to severe conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. NK cells can identify and kill liver cells infected with hepatitis B or C viruses, preventing viral replication and spread while promoting liver cell repair and regeneration. By infusing NK cells, the body's antiviral capabilities can be enhanced, helping patients clear the virus and improve liver function. Clinical studies have demonstrated that some hepatitis B and C patients receiving NK cell infusion experienced a significant reduction in viral load, improved liver function indicators, and effective disease control.