Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Natural Killer NK and CAR-NK Cell Expansion Method using Membrane Bound-IL-21-Modified B Cell Line
Published on: February 8, 2022
Killers 2.0: NK cell therapies at the forefront of cancer control
Jonathan J Hodgins1,2, Sarwat T Khan1, Maria M Park1,2
1Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes involved in the surveillance and elimination of cancer. As we have learned more and more about the mechanisms NK cells employ to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, and how, in turn, cancer evades NK cell responses, we have gained a clear appreciation that NK cells can be harnessed in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the evidence for NK cells' critical role in combating transformed and malignant cells, and how cancer immunotherapies potentiate NK cell responses for therapeutic purposes. We highlight cutting-edge immunotherapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical development such as adoptive NK cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK cells (CAR-NKs), bispecific and trispecific killer cell engagers (BiKEs and TriKEs), checkpoint blockade, and oncolytic virotherapy. Further, we describe the challenges that NK cells face (e.g., postsurgical dysfunction) that must be overcome by these therapeutic modalities to achieve cancer clearance.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for fighting cancer. Emerging immunotherapies, including adoptive transfer and CAR-NK cells, aim to enhance NK cell activity against tumors, despite challenges like postsurgical dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that eliminate cancer cells.
- Understanding NK cell mechanisms and cancer evasion is key to harnessing them for immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of NK cells in cancer surveillance and elimination.
- To discuss how cancer immunotherapies can enhance NK cell responses.
- To highlight novel NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical evidence on NK cell function in cancer.
- Analysis of current and developing immunotherapeutic approaches targeting NK cells.
Main Results:
- NK cells play a vital role in combating transformed and malignant cells.
- Various immunotherapies are being developed to potentiate NK cell activity.
- Strategies include adoptive NK cell transfer, CAR-NK cells, BiKEs/TriKEs, checkpoint blockade, and oncolytic virotherapy.
Conclusions:
- NK cells are a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
- Overcoming challenges like postsurgical dysfunction is essential for therapeutic success.
- Advanced strategies show potential for effective cancer clearance through NK cell enhancement.
Related Concept Videos
11:02Natural Killer (NK) and CAR-NK Cell Expansion Method using Membrane Bound-IL-21-Modified B Cell Line
02:55An In Vitro Assay for Evaluating Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cells
08:17Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
11:11Isolation and Expansion of Cytotoxic Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells for Cancer Treatment
09:03Analysis of Human Natural Killer Cell Metabolism
02:53Calcein Acetoxymethyl Staining to Evaluate Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity toward Cancer Cells