LAK cell

LAK cell

Lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK cells) are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are part of the body's natural defense against cancer and viral infections.

Function

LAK cells are produced when lymphocytes are activated by certain cytokines, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). Once activated, these cells have the ability to kill certain types of cancer cells and virus-infected cells. They are not specific to a particular antigen, unlike T cells and B cells, and can therefore attack a wide range of targets.

Clinical use

LAK cells have been used in cancer immunotherapy, a type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. In this therapy, LAK cells are extracted from the patient's blood, activated in a laboratory using IL-2, and then reinfused back into the patient. This process is known as adoptive cell transfer.

Research

Research is ongoing to improve the effectiveness of LAK cell therapy. Current studies are focused on enhancing the killing ability of LAK cells and reducing their potential side effects.

See also

• Natural killer cell
• Cytotoxic T cell
• Immunotherapy
• Adoptive cell transfer

References

LAK cell Resources
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