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Targeting natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in cancer

Eric Vivier1, Sophie Ugolini, Didier Blaise

  • 1Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université d'Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France. vivier@ciml.univ-mrs.fr

Nature Reviews. Immunology
|March 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells show promise for cancer immunotherapy due to their rapid anti-tumour responses. Further research into their functions and behaviour is crucial for developing effective cell-based cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell Therapy

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are lymphocytes with shared similarities.
  • Both NK and NKT cells exhibit rapid responses to tumour cells, contributing to anti-tumour immunity.
  • Their potential in cancer immunotherapy has spurred research into manipulating these cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of NK and NKT cells in innovative cancer therapies.
  • To understand how the developmental environment influences NK and NKT cell reactivity.
  • To identify key factors for the rational application of these cells in human cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on NK and NKT cell biology.
  • Analysis of factors influencing immune cell development and function.
  • Investigation of effector functions, migration, and survival properties.

Main Results:

  • NK and NKT cells possess inherent anti-tumour capabilities.
  • The microenvironment significantly shapes the immune reactivity of NK and NKT cells.
  • Understanding their specific functions and behaviours is critical for therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

  • NK and NKT cells represent promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
  • Further elucidation of their effector functions, migration, and survival is necessary.
  • Optimizing the use of NK and NKT cells requires a deeper understanding of their in vivo behaviour.

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