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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Advances in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Expressing Natural Killer Cells
Published on: February 14, 2025
Overview of Strategies to Improve Therapy against Tumors Using Natural Killer Cell
Chaopin Yang1,2, Yue Li1,2, Yaozhang Yang1,2
1Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
Abstract:
NK cells are lymphocytes with antitumor properties and can directly lyse tumor cells in a non-MHC-restricted manner. However, the tumor microenvironment affects the immune function of NK cells, which leads to immune evasion. This may be related to the pathogenesis of some diseases. Therefore, great efforts have been made to improve the immunotherapy effect of natural killer cells. NK cells from different sources can meet different clinical needs, in order to minimize the inhibition of NK cells and maximize the response potential of NK cells, for example, modification of NK cells can increase the number of NK cells in tumor target area, change the direction of NK cells, and improve their targeting ability to malignant cells. Checkpoint blocking is also a promising strategy for NK cells to kill tumor cells. Combination therapy is another strategy for improving antitumor ability, especially in combination with oncolytic viruses and nanomaterials. In this paper, the mechanisms affecting the activity of NK cells were reviewed, and the therapeutic potential of different basic NK cell strategies in tumor therapy was focused on. The main strategies for improving the immune function of NK cells were described, and some new strategies were proposed.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells show promise in cancer immunotherapy by directly targeting tumors. Strategies like cell modification and combination therapies are being developed to overcome immune evasion and enhance NK cell antitumor activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial lymphocytes possessing inherent antitumor properties, capable of lysing tumor cells independently of MHC restriction.
- The tumor microenvironment often suppresses NK cell function, leading to immune evasion and contributing to disease pathogenesis.
- Enhancing NK cell-mediated immunotherapy is a significant focus in cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms impacting NK cell activity in the context of cancer.
- To focus on the therapeutic potential of various NK cell-based strategies for tumor treatment.
- To describe key methods for improving NK cell immune function and propose novel approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NK cell function and tumor microenvironment interactions.
- Analysis of different NK cell sourcing and modification strategies.
- Evaluation of combination therapies involving NK cells, oncolytic viruses, and nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- NK cell activity is significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment, necessitating strategies to overcome inhibition.
- NK cell modification can enhance tumor site infiltration, directional control, and targeting of malignant cells.
- Checkpoint blockade and combination therapies (e.g., with oncolytic viruses) show promise for improving antitumor responses.
Conclusions:
- NK cells represent a potent tool in cancer immunotherapy, but their efficacy is modulated by the tumor milieu.
- Various strategies, including genetic modification and combination treatments, are effective in boosting NK cell antitumor capabilities.
- Further research into novel therapeutic avenues is essential for maximizing the clinical benefit of NK cell immunotherapy.
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