Product Overview

Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the immune system that are critical in host defense and immune regulation as part of both the innate and adaptive immune response. They are of particular interest to immunotherapy researchers as they hold the promise to specifically target and destroy cancer cells and tumors while leaving healthy cells intact.

Cells You Can Count On

Natural Killer cells are traditionally characterized by the presence of the CD56 cell surface marker and absence of CD3. In addition, CD16 is important for NK cell function because CD16 induces cytokine expression and cytotoxic effector activity.

Lonza NK cells are isolated using positive (2W-502) or negative (2W-501) immunomagnetic selection for the CD56 marker. Purity is ≥90% based on the presence of CD56+ cells. Both positively and negatively selected NK cells are guaranteed to express CD56 and CD16. However, negative immunomagnetic separation of NK cells results in significantly greater enrichment of CD16+ cells (typically > 80% of total cells), whereas expression of CD16 is variable with the positively selected NK cells.

Lonza NK cells are guaranteed to express CD56 and CD16, and contain ≥5 million viable cells per vial. HIV-1, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are not detected for all donors and/or cell lots. A Certificate of Analysis is provided for each cell lot purchased.

Choices in Cell Type and Tissue Source

Expression of CD56 and CD16 can greatly influence cell function. In addition, selection techniques can also influence function of your target cells. That's why Lonza offers both positively and negatively selected NK cells and characterizes the expression levels of both CD56 and CD16 in every lot of cells.

We also offer choices in tissue source if peripheral blood derived natural killer cells aren't what you're looking for. Cord blood MNCs or bone marrow MNCs can be depleted of lineage marker expressing cells in order to isolate NK cells. In addition, cord blood CD34+ cells or bone marrow CD34+ cells can be differentiated into natural killer cells.

Recommended Media and Reagents

• LGM-3^TM Lymphocyte Growth Medium is recommended for optimal performance of NK cells. Additional cytokines may be necessary depending on application.

Lonza guarantees the performance of Clonetics^TM/Poietics^TM cells only if appropriate Clonetics^TM/Poietics^TM media and reagents are used exclusively and the recommended storage and use protocols are followed. Any modifications made to the recommended cell systems including the use of alternative media, reagents or protocols, will void cell and media performance guarantees. If you need assistance in selecting the appropriate media, reagents, or protocol, please contact Lonza Scientific Support.