Getting to Know the Body’s Frontline Soldiers Against Cancer and Viruses: NK Cells (Natural Immunity) and Stem Cells (The Body’s Guardians)

Today, people place far greater importance on health than ever before. Regular exercise, healthy eating, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, fitness centers, and public parks filled with people of all ages are clear signs that health awareness in Thailand has grown significantly compared to previous years. However, despite these positive lifestyle changes, the number of cancer cases and chronic illnesses continues to rise. This suggests that even when unhealthy habits are reduced. However, there is another critical factor that is very close to us yet often overlooked, which is the immune system and stem cells.

Among the many immune cells in the human body, one important type that many people may not be familiar with is the NK Cell, or Natural Killer Cell.

Natural Killer Cells, or NK cells are a type of white blood cell classified as cytotoxic lymphocytes. They circulate in the bloodstream as part of the innate immune system. NK cells function like a standing army, constantly guarding the body and eliminating foreign invaders such as viruses, pathogens, and even cancer cells that threaten our health, which are a crucial component of the body’s natural immune defense.

NK cells have a unique ability to eliminate harmful cells automatically, without waiting for antibody activation or recognizing specific antigens in advance, unlike many other white blood cells. They do not rely on antibody signaling or surface markers (MH: histocompatibility complex), which allows NK cells to destroy cancer cells more efficiently than many other immune cells.

The primary role of NK cells is to eliminate viruses and abnormal cells. If NK cells are unable to destroy viruses or their numbers are insufficient, the body becomes weakened and more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. This can lead to worsening infections and, similarly, increase the risk of cancer development.

Under normal conditions, NK cells make up only about 5% of all lymphocytes in the bloodstream. Research also shows that NK cell levels decline with age, which correlates with the increased incidence of cancer as people grow older.

The human body contains approximately 2–5 trillion NK cells. When foreign cells invade, NK cells can respond and eliminate these threats within 24 hours.

Advancements in medical technology now allow for blood testing to evaluate NK cell activity, a key indicator of immune system strength. This test requires only 1 ml of blood, which is sent to a laboratory for assessment of the NK cell response to foreign cells. The test takes approximately 72 hours, and the results help physicians evaluate an individual’s immune status and potential health risks, including cancer.

Once the immune test results are available, you will gain insight into your body’s immune strength and potential health risks. Even if the results indicate low NK cell activity, this does not mean you have cancer or a serious disease. Instead, it may serve as an early warning signal, prompting physicians to recommend further health screenings or additional tests.

If your levels of NK cell activity are high, it’s still worthwhile to have them monitored or consider treatment to maintain these levels. This can promote a healthy life and protect against future diseases. NK cell injections can help the body produce stronger NK cells.

Recommendations for NK Cell Testing

Anyone interested can undergo NK Cell testing, especially individuals who experience insufficient rest or high levels of stress. Before the test, no special preparation is required beyond your normal routine. There is no need to drink more water than usual, fast, or rest more than you normally do. This is because if you prepare differently from your daily routine, the NK Cell levels obtained from the test may not accurately reflect your true immune status in everyday life.

What Should You Do If Your NK Cell Level Is Low?

1) Increasing NK Cells Naturally (This method may not produce clear results and depends on individual responses.)

2) Using Laboratory Cell Expansion Technology

Highly Active NK Cell Therapy is an advanced approach that helps enhance your immune system to a healthier level. This therapy is an effective way to restore a weakened immune system caused by illness, aging, or chronic stress.

Activated NK Cells are reintroduced into your immune system to help reduce abnormal or mutated cells in the body and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In addition, this therapy helps strengthen the body after cancer treatments such as radiation therapy by improving overall immune function.

After learning this, many people begin to recognize the importance of NK Cells. Next, let us learn about stem cells, which are just as vital as the immune system itself.

If NK Cells can be compared to natural killer cells that eliminate foreign invaders in the body, then it can be said that from birth, the human body already possesses something extremely valuable, often described as the best form of life insurance. However, what has been missing is a “central bank” to preserve this valuable resource without deterioration. That resource is stem cells.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem Cells Stem cells are natural cells that serve as progenitor or primitive cells. They have not yet developed a specific function and can undergo unlimited self-renewal. Importantly, they can differentiate into specialized cells with specific functions in the body.

Benefits of Stem Cells Currently, numerous clinical studies and published reports demonstrate the successful use of tissue-derived stem cells in real patients. Stem cell therapy can be applied across a wide range of diseases and age groups, with a primary focus on repairing and regenerating damaged organs or cells. For example: injection in diabetic patients to help reduce insulin dependence; intra-articular injections to alleviate knee or hip osteoarthritis; treatment for patients with immune-related disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); supporting recovery in diabetic kidney disease; treatment of leukemia; repairing injuries to organs and tissues, etc.

Who Can Store Stem Cells?

Stem cell collection and storage can be performed at any age. The younger the age at which stem cells are collected, the greater the likelihood of obtaining stronger and more beneficial cells. For optimal effectiveness, collecting stem cells from the placenta or umbilical cord at birth provides the highest-quality stem cells. These cells can be preserved for future medical use, including potential treatments for your child later in life.

Currently, There Are Two Main Types of Stem Cells

1) Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) Hematopoietic stem cells are blood-forming stem cells. Clinically, there are three main sources used for medical purposes:

Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Stem Cell Source

2) Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Mesenchymal stem cells can be collected through placenta preservation or stem cells from umbilical cord tissue. These sources contain a high concentration of stem cells with strong regenerative potential and are collected without pain. This process is also known as the Umbilical Cord Tissue Collection Process or Wharton’s Jelly Collection Procedure. Currently, only a limited number of stem cell banks can collect and process this type of cell at high quality, such as MEDEZE GROUP.

In addition, mesenchymal stem cells can be obtained from adipose tissue (fat). This method yields a large number of stem cells, involves minimal injury, and allows individuals to store their own autologous stem cells. At present, only a few stem cell banks, including MEDEZE GROUP, offer this service.

Where Do Stem Cells Come From?

Collecting stem cells at birth from umbilical cord blood or cord tissue involves additional costs for collection and long-term storage. However, collecting stem cells at birth has several advantages compared to collecting during adulthood:

In adults, stem cell collection typically involves liposuction from the abdomen or bone marrow aspiration, both of which are relatively invasive and painful procedures. In contrast, cord tissue or cord blood collection in newborns is painless and performed after the cord and placenta have already been separated from the baby.

Although current clinical applications may not differ significantly, stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue have a much higher capacity for rapid cell division, supporting future advances in regenerative treatments.

Umbilical cord stem cells have not been exposed to external factors such as chemicals or radiation.

When stem cells are collected properly by a reliable laboratory under strict quality control and medical supervision, stem cell storage is considered safe and free of side effects. The stored stem cells remain viable, effective, and suitable for future medical use.

Today, many people are actively seeking better health through exercise, weight control, healthy eating, fruit and vegetable consumption, and participation in wellness programs. One additional recommendation is to focus on what already exists within the body, which are immune cells and stem cells, as discussed above. Extensive scientific research supports their benefits, not only for health and disease prevention but also for anti-aging and aesthetic enhancement. However, as this field is still evolving, it is crucial to choose a trusted, reputable medical institution. MEDEZE GROUP is recognized as the largest and most experienced mesenchymal stem cell bank in Thailand, offering comprehensive services in stem cell and Natural Killer (NK) Cell technologies to meet a wide range of medical needs.