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NKG2D Ligands in Tumor Immunity: Two Sides of a Coin

Jinyu Zhang1, Fahmin Basher1, Jennifer D Wu2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC , USA.

Frontiers in Immunology
|March 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligands oppositely regulate tumor immunity. This review explores their controversial roles in cancer and potential for immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The activating receptor NKG2D (natural-killer group 2, member D) is crucial for immune responses.
  • Its role in human tumor immunity and cancer prognosis remains debated.
  • NKG2D is expressed on NK, NKT, CD8(+) T, and γδ(+) T cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements on NKG2D ligands in human cancer.
  • To discuss controversies surrounding their function in tumor immunity.
  • To explore targeting NKG2D ligands for cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of evidence on membrane-bound and soluble NKG2D ligands.
  • Discussion of experimental and clinical data.

Main Results:

  • Membrane-bound and soluble NKG2D ligands exert opposing effects on tumor immunity.
  • Evidence suggests differential roles in regulating anti-tumor responses.
  • Controversies exist regarding their precise impact on cancer prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • NKG2D ligands are critical regulators of tumor immunity with complex roles.
  • Understanding their distinct functions is key for effective cancer immunotherapy.
  • Targeting NKG2D ligands offers promising therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
NK cellsNKG2D ligandsT cellscancertumor immunity

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