CD56⁺ NK cells are isolated from mononuclear cells either by positive selection using an antibody that targets the CD56 antigen, or by negative selection using immunomagnetic cell separation procedures.

• Purity >90% by flow cytometry
• Test negative for Hepatitis B and C, HIV 1/2, HTLV-I/II, HIV-1/HCV/HBV Nucleic Acid, WNV Nucleic Acid, Trypanasoma cruzi and Syphili
• Cryopreserved in CryoStor® CS10 media

Natural killer cells (NK cells) are cytotoxic members of the innate immune system. CD56⁺ NK cells are a major component of the immune system and play a key role in the rejection of tumors and cells infected by viruses, killing by releasing perforin and granzymes that cause the target cell to die by apoptosis. Cells are isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using positive or negative immunomagnetic cell separation procedures.

CD56⁺ NK cells possess a unique ability to illicit an immune response without the presence of immunoglobulins (Ig) and MHC molecules, but simply through the identification of stressed cells, or through the hypothesised “missing self” in which the NK cell senses the downregulation of the surface MHC molecules which usually accompanies certain intracellular infections.

Storage: Either prepare cells for long term storage in liquid nitrogen vapor phase or thaw for use. Storage in liquid phase nitrogen is NOT recommended. Short term storage of cells (less than 2 weeks) at −80 °C is acceptable, but should be minimised to ensure maximum stability. Once thawed, samples must be used immediately.