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

Objective: 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. Methods: 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 collected for 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. Results: Compared with CIKs, the co- cultured DC CIKs presented a markedly higher proliferation and killing activity. Conclusions: Co-culture of DC-CIK cells led to a significant increase of the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CIK.