Effect of DC-CIK cell on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of leukemia cells

To observe the effect of co-culture cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) and homologous dendritic cells (DC) on the proliferative activity and phenotype change of the DC-CIK cell and the cell killing activity of leukemia HL-60.

50 mL cord blood sample was obtained from infants delivered by full term healthy woman and the cord blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Non-adherent cells were collectedfor the induction culture of CIK, adherent cells were differentiated into mature DC; cultured mature DC was mixed with and CIK in the proportion of 1:5 for 12 d. Killing activity of DC-CIK co-cultured cell on leukemia HL-60 was detected by MTT assay.

Compared with CIKs, the co-cultured DC-CIKs presented a markedly higher proliferation and killing activity.

Co-culture of DC-CIK cells led to a significant increase of the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CIK.