In the pursuit of advancing immunotherapy, researchers are constantly seeking safer, more accessible methods to cultivate potent immune cells. A recent study published in Anticancer Research investigates whether X-ray irradiation can effectively replace γ-irradiation for inactivating K562 feeder cells—an essential step in expanding human natural killer (NK) cells.

Traditionally, γ-irradiation has been the gold standard for feeder cell inactivation, but its limited availability poses challenges for many institutions. This study compared NK cell expansion using K562 cells treated wk562ith either γ-rays or X-rays, alongside IL-2 and IL-15 stimulation. While NK cell proliferation was slightly lower in the X-ray group, the difference was statistically insignificant. Importantly, NK cell functionality and receptor expression remained consistent across both methods.

Key takeaway: X-ray treatment offers a promising, accessible alternative to γ-irradiation for NK cell expansion—potentially broadening the reach of NK cell-based therapies in clinical and research settings.

Link To Full Study: https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/38/10/5767.full.pdf