Cytokine-induced killer cells are type II natural killer T cells.
BACKGROUND
Until now, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells were assumed to be part of the type I natural killer T (NKT) cell population, but it was not yet investigated if this is correct.


METHODS
For analysis, CIK cells were generated by various culture conditions. Human type I NKT cells express a T cell receptor (TCR) composed of an invariant V alpha 24-J alpha Q chain combined with one of several V beta chains. The V alpha 24 is a reliable marker for the presence of these TCRs.


RESULTS
While comparing cultures stimulated with different substances, we observed the lack of any V alpha 24 on the surface of CIK culture cells.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that CIK cells do not belong to the type I NKT cells.
Gütgemann
Stefan
S
Department of Internal Medicine I, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn, Germany.
Frank
Susanne
S
Strehl
John
J
Schmidt-Wolf
Ingo G H
IG
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