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Targeting NK-cell checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy
Aura Muntasell1, Maria C Ochoa2, Luna Cordeiro2
1Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|February 26, 2017
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells boost anti-tumor activity. Modulating NK cells with cytokines or antibodies enhances their cancer-fighting capabilities, offering new immunotherapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial cytotoxic lymphocytes for early defense against viral infections and cancer.
- NK cell activity is governed by activating and inhibitory surface receptors that interact with ligands on target cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore methods for modulating NK cell numbers and function to enhance anti-tumor activity.
- To identify promising therapeutic agents for potentiating NK cell-mediated anti-cancer responses.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the use of recombinant cytokines (IL-15, IL-2) to increase NK cell numbers and activity.
- Examined antibodies that block inhibitory NK cell receptors (KIR, NKG2A, TIGIT).
- Studied agonists that activate NK cell-associated signaling pathways (CD137, NKG2D, CD16).
Main Results:
- Specific agents like cytokines and blocking antibodies can significantly enhance NK cell function.
- Agonists targeting activating receptors show potential for boosting NK cell cytotoxicity.
- These modulations can improve NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- NK cell modulation presents a promising avenue for developing novel cancer immunotherapies.
- Combinatorial strategies involving various agents can be employed to maximize NK cell anti-tumor effects.
- Targeting NK cell receptors and signaling pathways offers a potent approach to cancer treatment.
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