Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
08:42
Dextran Enhances the Lentiviral Transduction Efficiency of Murine and Human Primary NK Cells
Published on: January 15, 2018
Deciphering the Multifaceted Relationship between Oncolytic Viruses and Natural Killer Cells
Christopher A Alvarez-Breckenridge1, Jianhua Yu, Balveen Kaur
1Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Advances in Virology
|February 8, 2012
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells critically impact oncolytic virus therapy efficacy. Understanding and modulating NK cell responses is key to improving virotherapy success against tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Virotherapy shows promise but faces challenges in clinical success.
- The immune response, particularly from natural killer (NK) cells, significantly influences oncolytic viral therapy outcomes.
- NK cells play a dual role in antiviral immunity and tumor clearance, complicating their role in virotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the role of NK cells in oncolytic viral infections.
- To explore how NK cell responses affect the efficacy of oncolytic viral therapy.
- To identify strategies for modulating NK cell activity to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating NK cell interactions with oncolytic viruses.
- Analysis of data on NK cell-mediated viral clearance and antitumor effects.
- Synthesis of findings regarding the complex interplay between NK cells and oncolytic viral vectors.
Main Results:
- NK cell responses can lead to premature viral clearance, hindering therapy.
- NK cells also mediate crucial downstream antitumor immunity, essential for therapeutic success.
- The specific NK cell response varies depending on the oncolytic viral vector used.
Conclusions:
- The immune response, especially from NK cells, is a critical determinant of oncolytic virotherapy efficacy.
- Strategies are needed to suppress antiviral NK cell functions while preserving tumor-clearing capabilities.
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate and harness the intricate NK cell response for improved cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...