An integrated culture protocol for harvesting high-density, high-quality NK cells without the need for medium exchange or supplementation: seed cells + serum-free culture kit + large-capacity expansion culture flasks.
Release Date:
2025-07-07 15:27
Introduction to the Background of NK Cells
Natural killer (NK) cells are a core component of the innate immune system and represent the most potent and effective immune cells in the fight against cancer cells and viruses. Originating in the bone marrow, they constitute the third major class of lymphocytes, alongside T cells and B cells, accounting for approximately 15% of all immune cells (white blood cells) in the bloodstream. NK cells are predominantly found in peripheral blood, the liver, the spleen, and the placenta.
Natural killer (NK) cells can inhibit bacterial and viral invasion, eliminate cancerous and pathological cells, and delay aging. NK cells exhibit cytotoxic activity against nearly all common types of cancer cells, including lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, and esophageal cancer; they also effectively kill multidrug-resistant tumor cells. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells on cancer cells is characterized by direct action, high sensitivity, and rapid response. Importantly, NK cells do not require prior “memory” of specific cancer cell features or recognition of unique surface protein molecules; they can exert their anti-tumor activity even in the early stages of cancer or when cancer cell numbers are low.
Natural killer (NK) cells circulate in the human bloodstream, performing immune surveillance. Upon encountering cancerous, pathological, or senescent cells, they promptly activate their immune defense functions; NK cells primarily exert four distinct cytotoxic mechanisms.
Kill tumor cells : Timely identification and elimination of continuously generated malignant cells.
Kill virus-infected cells In vivo studies have demonstrated that NK cells serve as the body’s first line of innate defense, eliminating infected cells and preventing viral spread.
Kill intracellular parasitic bacteria : NK cells can also kill intracellular parasitic pathogens such as mycobacteria, Listeria, and Leishmania.
Fungicidal : Candida albicans colonizes human skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the oral cavity, and natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in combating this pathogen by directly killing the fungus.
Prevention and treatment of tumors
NK cells can independently recognize, target, and eliminate foreign cells, cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and senescent or infected cells. They exert their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects primarily by secreting perforin, granzymes, tumor necrosis factor, and numerous other cytokines, thereby inducing apoptosis or cell death in cancer cells.
NK cell immunotherapy, as a novel cancer treatment modality, targets the immune function of cancer patients. By enhancing the overall immune response and specifically recognizing malignant cells, it effectively eliminates tumor cells within the tissue. This approach not only demonstrates potent antitumor activity but also further boosts the patient’s immune defenses, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence and metastasis, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival.
Resisting the COVID-19 virus
The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily enters host cells by binding its surface spike protein to host cell receptors such as ACE2, where it then replicates and spreads. This poses two major therapeutic challenges: first, the virus resides within host cells, leaving no currently available specific antiviral drugs; second, in patients with severe viral infection, the immune system becomes dysregulated.
At such times, the immune system recognizes the pathogen and mounts an appropriate immune response, increasing the number of lymphocytes to combat the virus. Natural killer (NK) cells, through their direct cytotoxic activity, can directly kill SARS-CoV-2, thereby synergizing with immune-modulatory antiviral mechanisms to enhance the immune system’s ability to clear the virus.
Treatment of hepatitis
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in combating viral and bacterial infections. An increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that NK cells can both directly eliminate hepatitis viruses and target hepatocytes infected with these viruses. By expanding and activating NK cells from healthy individuals and incorporating regular NK-cell–based antiviral immune support into one’s health regimen, it is possible to achieve both the prevention and cure of viral hepatitis.
Improve subhealth
Autologous NK cell therapy can prevent and combat cancer, promote anti-aging and health maintenance, alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances in subhealthy individuals, and improve their quality of life. This approach has demonstrated reliable clinical efficacy, is easy to implement, exhibits no toxic side effects, is well tolerated, and helps subhealthy individuals regain health at an early stage, thereby preventing progression to serious diseases.
Natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as “star cells” in both research and clinical applications due to their potent tumor-killing activity and favorable safety profile. However, conventional NK cell culture is plagued by several challenges, including strong serum dependence, low expansion efficiency, and poor batch-to-batch reproducibility, which not only compromise experimental reproducibility but also hinder the translation of NK cell therapies into clinical practice.
Hycells has gained deep insights into industry needs and is proudly launching an integrated NK cell culture solution! An integrated culture system comprising NK seed cells, an NK serum-free culture kit, and large-capacity expansion culture flasks—optimized across the entire workflow and combining these three components into a single solution—to provide you with efficient, stable, and compliant end-to-end support for NK cell culture. After 7 days, no medium changes or supplements are required, enabling effortless harvesting of high-quality, high-density NK cells!
01
High-Activity NK Seed Cells—Ensuring Quality from the Source
Strictly screen healthy donors with clear and traceable sources;
High purity and high proliferative potential, with a post-thaw recovery viability of >95%;
Pre-activated phenotype, shortened culture period, and rapid generation of functional NK cells.
02
NK Serum-Free Culture Kit—Safe, Stable, and Animal-Origin-Free
Strong expansion capacity: cells can be expanded up to 500-fold, with a post-expansion viability of ≥90%.
NK cells exhibit high purity and potent cytotoxic activity.
Suitable for fresh or cryopreserved PBMCs and CBMCs.
Chemical composition limited, safe, stable, and efficient
No antibody coating required; simple and convenient operation.
03
Cell Feeder Bottom-Translucent Cell Culture Flask—Large-Capacity Media Addition; No Need for Media Top-Up or Change After 7 Days of Culturing
Custom-made: Specifically designed for the cell therapy field to meet specialized needs.
Unique breathable membrane design: A bottom-breathable membrane is used to enhance oxygen permeability to the cells, thereby improving cell culture efficiency.
Large-capacity medium filling: A large volume of culture medium can be added at once, eliminating the need for medium changes throughout the entire process and reducing the frequency of operational steps.
Efficient and convenient: Optimize operational processes, reduce labor costs, and improve production efficiency.
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The HiXpan® NK Serum-Free Culture Kit, Version 3.0, is manufactured in strict compliance with GMP standards, and its production system fully adheres to relevant guidelines and regulations, including the “818 Requirements,” positioning it for pharmaceutical‑grade manufacturing and applications.
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