Lymphokine-activated killer cell

Lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK cell) is a type of white blood cell that is capable of killing cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. LAK cells are derived from lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK cells) that have been activated with certain cytokines, such as interleukin 2 (IL-2).

History

The concept of LAK cells was first introduced in the early 1980s. Researchers discovered that when lymphocytes were cultured with high concentrations of IL-2, they developed the ability to kill a broad range of cancer cells. This was a significant finding, as it suggested a potential new approach for cancer treatment.

Function

LAK cells have the ability to recognize and kill a wide variety of cancer cells and virus-infected cells. They do this by binding to the target cell and releasing cytotoxic substances that cause the target cell to die. Unlike T cells, LAK cells do not need to recognize a specific antigen on the target cell in order to kill it. This makes them potentially useful in treating a wide range of cancers.

Clinical use

LAK cells have been used in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer. The treatment involves removing lymphocytes from the patient's blood, activating them with IL-2 to create LAK cells, and then infusing the LAK cells back into the patient. This is known as adoptive cell transfer.

While some trials have shown promising results, the use of LAK cells as a cancer treatment is still experimental. One of the challenges is that the treatment can cause severe side effects, including fever, nausea, and low blood pressure. Researchers are currently working on ways to improve the effectiveness of LAK cell therapy and reduce its side effects.

See also

• Immunotherapy
• Cytotoxic T cell
• Natural killer cell

References

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