Definition

A preparation of ex vivo expanded, universal donor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta; TGF-b) imprinted natural killer (NK) cells, with potential cytolytic and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the universal donor expanded TGF-beta-imprinted NK cells may directly lyse cancer cells. These cells also secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and further stimulate a systemic immune response against cancer cells. TGF-beta imprinting during NK cell activation and expansion decreases NK cell sensitivity to TGF-beta suppression and promotes NK cell cytokine hypersecretion, specifically of interferon-gamma (IFNg) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa), and enhances NK cytotoxicity. TGF-beta is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine that inhibits the anti-tumor responses of NK cells and T cells.