Allogeneic CD56-positive CD3-negative Natural Killer Cells

**Semantic type:** Cell|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A population of allogeneic lymphocytes expressing the CD56 surface antigen and exhibiting a lack of CD3, with immunomodulating activity. Upon infusion of allogeneic CD56-positive CD3-negative natural killer (NK) cells, these cells are able to secrete cytokines and recognize and kill tumor cells as well as virally-infected cells. CD56 is a transmembrane glycoprotein also known as NCAM (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule).