Optimization of the flow cytometric method for analyzing NK cell cytotoxic activity in breast cancer

To establish a protocol for analyzing NK cell cytotoxic activity (NKAc) in breast cancer patients using the flow cytometric technique. Methods: We first optimized the protocol based on the previously published studies, focusing on choosing fluorescent dye concentration, incubation time length, and Effector:Target cell ratio (E:T ratio). Subsequently, we preliminarily applied the established protocol to characterize NKAc in some breast cancer patients and healthy controls.