Scalable Biomanufacturing Workflow to Produce and Isolate Natural Killer Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicle-based Cancer Biotherapeutics

J Vis Exp. 2024 Aug 16:(210). doi: 10.3791/67227.

Abstract

Natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NK-EVs) are being investigated as cancer biotherapeutics. They possess unique properties as cytotoxic nanovesicles targeting cancer cells and as immunomodulatory communicators. A scalable biomanufacturing workflow enables the production of large quantities of high-purity NK-EVs to meet the pre-clinical and clinical demands. The workflow employs a closed-loop hollow-fiber bioreactor, enabling continuous production of NK-EVs from the NK92-MI cell line under serum-free, xeno-free, feeder-free, and antibiotic-free conditions in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices standards. This protocol-driven study outlines the biomanufacturing workflow for isolating NK-EVs using size-exclusion chromatography, ultrafiltration, and filter-based sterilization. Essential NK-EV product characterization is performed via nanoparticle tracking analysis, and their functionality is assessed through a validated cell viability-based potency assay against cancer cells. This scalable biomanufacturing process holds significant potential to advance the clinical translation of NK-EV-based cancer biotherapeutics by adhering to best practices and ensuring reproducibility.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatography, Gel / methods
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Workflow