MHC I-related chain a expression in gastric carcinoma and the efficacy of immunotherapy with cytokine-induced killer cells.

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have shown promising activity against gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies showed that cell signaling through MHC I-related Chain A (MICA)-Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) results in CIK cell activation leading to cytolytic activities against tumor cells. In this study, we investigate the MICA status in patients with gastric carcinoma, and determine the potential relationship between MICA and clinical outcome of a CIK containing therapy.