NK-92 cells retain vitality and functionality when grown in standard cell culture conditions

NK-92 cells are an off-the-shelf, cell-based immunotherapy currently in clinical trials for a variety of cancer types. As the most 'NK-like' cell line available, it is also an important research tool. To date, NK-92 cells have been cultivated in a costly and time-consumingly prepared specialized medium, complicating research with these cells. Here we show that NK-92 cells grow in the comparatively user-friendly RPMI medium supplemented with IL-2. We demonstrate that their metabolic activity and replication rates are even improved in RPMI. Furthermore, they can be grown in cell culture dishes and do not need to be expanded in ventilated flasks. We show that in RPMI the cells retain functional characteristics relating to receptor expression, IFN-gamma secretion, and killing. Our findings will enable more researchers to work with and manipulate this cell line, hopefully leading to further discoveries and improved therapies.

Automated summary

NK-92 cells, a cell-based immunotherapy, are currently being tested in clinical trials for various cancer types. They are an important research tool due to their similarity to natural killer cells. This study shows that NK-92 cells can grow in the user-friendly RPMI medium supplemented with IL-2, resulting in improved metabolic activity and replication rates. These findings will facilitate more researchers to work with and manipulate this cell line.