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The two-faces of NK cells in oncolytic virotherapy

M Marotel1, M S Hasim1, A Hagerman2

  • 1Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|June 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) fight cancer by killing tumor cells and stimulating immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are key immune players, but their antiviral role can impact OV therapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging immunotherapeutics with dual action: direct tumor cell lysis and immune system activation.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the antitumor immune response, mediating OV efficacy.
  • NK cells possess potent antiviral functions that can paradoxically hinder OV therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dual role of NK cells in oncolytic virotherapy, balancing antitumor and antiviral functions.
  • To review current NK cell-based and OV-based therapeutic strategies.
  • To discuss advancements in engineered OVs and combination therapies for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of oncolytic virotherapy and NK cell immunology.
  • Analysis of studies investigating NK cell interactions with OVs.
  • Synthesis of data on engineered OVs and combination therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • NK cells are critical for OV-mediated antitumor effects but can also limit OV efficacy due to their antiviral activity.
  • Engineered OVs show promise in enhancing immune stimulation and overcoming NK cell-mediated suppression.
  • Combination therapies involving OVs and NK cells represent a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the dichotomy of NK cell functions is essential for optimizing oncolytic virotherapy.
  • Strategic manipulation of NK cell activity and OV design can improve therapeutic outcomes.
  • Future research should focus on synergistic combinations of OVs, NK cells, and other immunotherapies.
Keywords:
CancerImmunotherapiesNK cellsOncolytic viruses

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