EX-23.1 4 nk-ex231_7.htm EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

| (1) | Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-233434) of NantKwest, Inc. for the registration of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities and units,

| (2) | Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-252232) of NantKwest, Inc. for the registration of common stock to be issued in connection with the merger with ImmunityBio, Inc.,

| (3) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-205942) pertaining to the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and 2015 Equity Incentive Plan,

| (4) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.333-233082) pertaining to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated, and

| (5) | Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-243725) pertaining to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated;

of our report dated March 4, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of NantKwest, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of NantKwest, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2020.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 4, 2021