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Positive Selection

Directly targets the desired cell population by labeling the CD56 marker, which is attached via CD56 antibody to an immunomagnetic bead. CD56+ NK cell samples collected by positive selection tend to have higher yields than those collected via negative selection. However, positive selection of CD56+ NK cells will also result in co-isolation of the NKT cellular subset which is CD56+ and CD3+. In addition, depending on the downstream application, positive selection may require subsequent removal of the antibody-magnetic bead complex from the target cells.
CD56+ Natural Killer Cells, Cryopreserved Size Product Code
Positive Selection

5 x 10e6 cells PB56C-1^∆
10 x 10e6 cells PB56C-2^∆
Custom PB56C-KIT^∆
Full Leukopak Kit PB56C-FL-KIT^∆*
Contact us if you don’t see a specific product, size, or format, or would like to customize your request.
^∆ NK cells that are positively selected using the CD56 antigen will include a mixed population of natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T cells (NKT).
* Product is made to order.
Your company or academic institution may be eligible for pricing discounts. Government labs located in the United States are also eligible for GSA MAS discounts. Request a quote to find out more.
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Negative Selection

Works by targeting contaminating cell types for removal. Negative selection leads to a purer NK population free of NKT contamination and has been shown to enrich CD56+/CD16+ NK cells. CD16 is important for human NK cell function because CD16 induces cytokine expression and cytotoxic effector activity. The disadvantage of this selection model is that it may result in lower NK cell yields.
CD56+ Natural Killer Cells, Cryopreserved Size Product Code
Negative Selection 5 x 10e6 cells PB56NC-1
10 x 10e6 cells PB56NC-2
Custom PB56NC-KIT^*
Full Leukopak Kit PB56NC-FL-KIT^*
Contact us if you don’t see a specific product, size, or format, or would like to customize your request.
* Product is made to order.
Your company or academic institution may be eligible for pricing discounts. Government labs located in the United States are also eligible for GSA MAS discounts. Request a quote to find out more.
REQUEST A QUOTE/ORDER

What Are the Applications For Human Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)?

CD56+ NK cell-based therapies are an attractive therapeutic modality. Unlike T cells and B cells, natural killer cells do not need to be activated by antigen presenting cells, so they can unleash an early, rapid immune response against target cells. NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies are currently being evaluated in clinical trials.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cell cancer immunotherapy	Studies show that CAR NK therapy has a better safety profile than CAR T, with reduced risk of GvHD or cytokine release syndrome in patients. Cytotoxic activity can be activated through multiple mechanisms and CAR NK cells show increased infiltration into solid tumors.
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)	Tumor-targeted mAbs that work through NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity have shown promise in treating neuroblastoma and melanoma. mAbs can also be used to augment NK
Combination therapies	Adoptive transfer of human natural killer cells along with CD34+ cells is being investigated as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. The combined application of NK cell infusion with monoclonal antibodies is also being tested in clinical trials.

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CD56, also known as neural cell adhesion molecule, is a protein expressed on the surface of NK cells. This marker protein is used to identify the frequency of human NK cells within the white blood cell population (WBC) and to validate post-selection purity.

Charts showing sample of WBCs, with human NK cells making up 12.34% of the WBC population and a representative data set with a purity of 96.64% NK cells post immunomagnetic separation.

Figure 1. CD56 antigen is targeted for immunomagnetic labeling to identify human natural killer cells present in a fresh leukopak collection. Panel (A) shows a representative sample of WBCs, with NK cells making up 12.34% of the WBC population. Panel (B) shows a representative data set with a purity of 96.64% NK cells post immunomagnetic separation. Human natural killer cells from Charles River are guaranteed to have >90% purity and >90% viability as measured by flow cytometry.

A cohort of 69 healthy donor collections where flow cytometry was used for analysis. In this population, CD56+ cells represent an average of 13.61% of the WBC population.

Figure 2. A cohort of 69 healthy donor collections where flow cytometry was used for analysis. In this population, CD56+ cells represent an average of 13.61% of the WBC population. This translates to a calculated average yield of 1.73 billion NK56+ cells per leukapheresis collection. Actual yield varies from donor-to-donor.

Cryopreservation Locks in Starting Material Quality

Human natural killer cells from Charles River are available in either a freshly isolated or cryopreserved format. The NK cells are isolated and quickly processed from freshly collected peripheral blood leukopaks prior to cryopreservation in Cryostor CS10 and storage in vapor phase of liquid nitrogen. To ensure maximum post-thaw viability and functionality, Charles River scientists recommend using optimized thawing techniques.

Studies have shown that delays between leukapheresis collection and processing can result in significant reduction in PBMC chemokine receptor CCR4/CCR7 expression, and thus decrease the ability of NK cells to degranulate and secrete cytokines. Quick leukopak processing for NK cellular isolation and cryopreservation maintains cell quality and functionality until cellular material can be processed further.

Charles River uses a proprietary, optimized cryopreservation process that extends the shelf life and stability of cryopreserved cellular products. Isolated cells are guaranteed to be >90% viable as measured by flow cytometry. This helps mitigate cell therapy sourcing concerns while providing researchers with the quality, flexibility, and consistency needed in a cellular starting material.

CD34+ Hematopoietic and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) Lineage Poster

Lineage of CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs)
Receive a complimentary poster to access information on immune cell markers, differentiation factors, cytokines, technical protocols, media recommendations, how-to videos, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Human Natural Killer Cells

What are human natural killer cells?

Human natural killer cells (NK cells) are lymphocytes activated in response to interferons and cytokines released by virally infected cells and macrophages. Inhibitory factors expressed on the surface of healthy cells let the NK cells recognize them as “self” and inhibit cytotoxic activity. Infected or cancerous cells often lose these cell surface factors, leaving them vulnerable to attack. NK cells were first discovered in the context of their cancer killing ability, making them an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy research.
How do I order or request a quote for human natural killer cells?

Please fill out our online form to request a quote for human natural killer cells.
Who do I call if I have a technical question regarding human natural killer cells?

You can contact our specialists by phone at 1-877-310-0717, or via email at [email protected].
When should I choose NK cells?
Selecting the right cytotoxic cell for your study is important. NK cells are preferred in these instances:
- To determine if an antibody-based therapeutic is effective at mediating cell death.
- In studies involving antibody-based therapeutics, use NK cells to test ADCC for your antibody.
Learn more about how to select cytotoxic cells

Human Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)

High-Quality Human Natural Killer Cells