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A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
Published on: January 9, 2018
The Molecular Imaging of Natural Killer Cells
Mariya Shapovalova1, Sean R Pyper2, Branden S Moriarity2
11 Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Abstract:
The recent success of autologous T cell-based therapies in hematological malignancies has spurred interest in applying similar immunotherapy strategies to the treatment of solid tumors. Identified nearly 4 decades ago, natural killer (NK) cells represent an arguably better cell type for immunotherapy development. Natural killer cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that mediate the direct killing of transformed cells with reduced or absent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and are the effector cells in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Unlike T cells, they do not require human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching allowing for the adoptive transfer of allogeneic NK cells in the clinic. The development of NK cell-based therapies for solid tumors is complicated by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that can potentially disarm NK cells rendering them inactive. The molecular imaging of NK cells in vivo will be crucial for the development of new therapies allowing for the immediate assessment of therapeutic response and off-target effects. A number of groups have investigated methods for detecting NK cells by optical, nuclear, and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances made in imaging NK cells in both preclinical and clinical studies.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy shows promise for solid tumors. Molecular imaging is key to assessing NK cell therapy effectiveness and safety in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Autologous T cell therapies have succeeded in blood cancers, driving interest in immunotherapies for solid tumors.
- Natural killer (NK) cells offer advantages over T cells for immunotherapy, including MHC-independent cytotoxicity and allogeneic transfer potential.
- The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment poses a challenge for NK cell-based solid tumor therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in molecular imaging techniques for natural killer (NK) cells.
- To highlight the importance of in vivo NK cell imaging for assessing therapeutic response and off-target effects in solid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Overview of optical imaging methods for NK cells.
- Review of nuclear imaging techniques for NK cells.
- Summary of magnetic resonance imaging approaches for NK cells.
Main Results:
- Various imaging modalities are being investigated for detecting NK cells in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Molecular imaging allows for real-time assessment of NK cell distribution and activity.
- Advances in imaging are crucial for overcoming challenges in NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging is essential for the advancement of NK cell-based immunotherapies for solid tumors.
- In vivo imaging facilitates the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety, guiding treatment optimization.
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