NK cell imaging by in vitro and in vivo labelling approaches
1Nuclear Medicine, Unit Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy - araso@mskcc.org.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are a particular lymphocyte subset with a documented cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Evidence of NK antitumoral effect led researchers to focus on the development of immunotherapies aimed at augmenting NK recruitment and infiltration into tumor and their anti-cancer functions. Studies in animal models proved that the right combination of drugs, cytokines, chemokines and other factors might be used to enhance or suppress tumor targeting by NK cells. Therefore, it would be necessary to have a tool to non-invasively monitor the efficacy of such novel therapies. Available imaging techniques comprise magnetic resonance, optical and nuclear medicine imaging with a pool of compounds that ranges from radiolabelled nanoparticles and radiopharmaceuticals to fluorescent probes. Each tracer and technique has its own pros and cons, but till now, no one emerged as superior among the others.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells show promise in fighting cancer. Researchers are developing therapies to boost NK cell activity, but non-invasive imaging tools are needed to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes with inherent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells.
- The anti-tumoral effects of NK cells have spurred interest in immunotherapies designed to enhance their tumor infiltration and anti-cancer functions.
- Animal models suggest that combinations of drugs, cytokines, and chemokines can modulate NK cell targeting of tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the necessity of non-invasive tools for monitoring the efficacy of novel immunotherapies targeting NK cells.
- To review existing imaging techniques and their associated compounds for evaluating NK cell-based cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current imaging modalities including magnetic resonance, optical, and nuclear medicine imaging.
- Analysis of various imaging agents such as radiolabeled nanoparticles, radiopharmaceuticals, and fluorescent probes.
- Evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each imaging technique and tracer.
Main Results:
- Several imaging techniques are available for monitoring NK cell-based therapies.
- A range of compounds, including nanoparticles, radiopharmaceuticals, and fluorescent probes, can be utilized as tracers.
- No single imaging technique or tracer has demonstrated clear superiority for all applications.
Conclusions:
- Effective monitoring of NK cell immunotherapies requires advanced imaging tools.
- The selection of an appropriate imaging technique and tracer depends on specific therapeutic goals and experimental contexts.
- Further development and comparative studies are needed to identify optimal non-invasive monitoring strategies for NK cell cancer therapies.
