Generation of lymphokine activated killer cells in a new high density dialyzing culture apparatus.

In order to establish an efficient culture system for the generation of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells, we have developed a new device which is essentially based on a continuous dialyzing culture vessel. LAK cells grown in such a system showed higher cytotoxicity than those grown under conventional culture conditions. By using this new apparatus with continuous regulation of infused interleukin 2, nutritional medium, and pO(2) and pCO(2), yields of 2×10(7) cells/ml were achieved and maintained for more than 21 days. These cells also showed a significant increase of LAK activity on a per cell basis.