Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived NK Cells and Their Cytotoxicity against Cancers

Pluripotent stem cell-derived Natural Killer cells (iNK) hold great promise for adoptive immunotherapy for cancer. However, current protocols rely on embryoid body cultures, which pose technical challenges and increase costs. We developed an alternative differentiation method using monolayer culture systems, allowing for cost-effectiveness and control over cellular differentiation. These iNK cells have the ability to perform cytotoxic functions, capable of combating tumor cells. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of our iNK cells and NK-enriched samples from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to validate and interrogate NK cell identity. Overall design: Induced pluripotent stem cells were cultured and differentiated into iNK cells using multiple-stage induction within the hematopoietic lineage.