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Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
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Natural killer T cells: drivers or passengers in preventing human disease?

Stuart P Berzins1, David S Ritchie2

  • 1School of Health Sciences, Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria 3350, Australia, the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria 3350, Australia, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.

Nature Reviews. Immunology
|August 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer T (NKT) cells show promise in treating diseases, but clinical applications face challenges. Further research is needed to clarify their natural roles and optimize NKT cell therapies for human health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Therapeutics

Background:

  • Natural killer T (NKT) cells are recognized for their regulatory functions in immune responses against various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and infections.
  • Preclinical and observational studies have indicated the potential of NKT cell-based therapies for disease prevention and treatment.
  • However, the clinical translation of these therapies has yielded disappointing results, prompting a re-evaluation of their efficacy and application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically assess the current understanding of NKT cell functions in human immunity.
  • To explore the uncertainties and opportunities surrounding the therapeutic manipulation of NKT cells.
  • To discuss the potential of NKT cell-based strategies for preventing and treating human diseases.

Main Methods:

  • This article presents an opinion and discussion based on a review of existing scientific literature and clinical observations.
  • It synthesizes findings from mouse studies and human observational research.
  • The authors engage in critical analysis of the in vivo roles of NKT cells and their relevance to human diseases.

Main Results:

  • While NKT cells possess regulatory characteristics that could be therapeutically beneficial, significant doubts remain regarding their natural roles in vivo.
  • The fundamental contribution of NKT cell defects to human disease pathogenesis is not yet fully established.
  • The translation of NKT cell therapies into successful clinical practice has been limited.

Conclusions:

  • NKT cells hold potential for therapeutic exploitation due to their regulatory properties.
  • Addressing uncertainties about their in vivo functions and disease relevance in humans is crucial for advancing NKT cell-based therapies.
  • Further research and strategic manipulation are necessary to realize the full potential of NKT cells in preventing and treating human diseases.

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