In vitro development of human Killer-Immunoglobulin Receptor-positive NK cells

Methods Mol Biol. 2010:612:15-26. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-362-6_2.

Abstract

The in vitro culture system outlined in this chapter allows for the delineation of events that occur during the development of CD34(+) hematopoietic precursor cells into mature KIR(+) human NK cells. This system can also be utilized to study the effects of gene overexpression or knockdown on the process of NK cell differentiation through retroviral transduction and long-term culture. The necessary soluble factors and contact-dependent conditions for in vitro human NK cell development have been worked out in our laboratory over the past 16 years.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Separation
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / radiation effects
  • Mice
  • Receptors, KIR / metabolism*
  • Retroviridae / genetics
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Time Factors
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • Receptors, KIR