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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
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Natural Killer Cells and Anti-Cancer Therapies: Reciprocal Effects on Immune Function and Therapeutic Response

Elisa C Toffoli1, Abdolkarim Sheikhi1,2, Yannick D Höppner1

  • 1Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Cancers
|February 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial innate immune cells that combat cancer. This review explores how NK cells influence the effectiveness of various cancer treatments, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells crucial for identifying and eliminating virus-infected and cancerous cells without prior sensitization.
  • Effector NK cells utilize Fc receptor CD16 for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), playing a key role in antibody-based cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the efficacy of diverse anti-tumor therapies.
  • To examine the impact of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy on NK cell function and anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on NK cells and anti-cancer therapies.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which NK cells interact with and are affected by various treatment modalities.

Main Results:

  • NK cells are implicated in the efficacy of antibody-based therapies through ADCC.
  • The influence of NK cells in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy is under investigation, with varying impacts on their function.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for optimizing cancer treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • NK cells are integral to anti-cancer immunity and therapeutic responses.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate and leverage the role of NK cells in conjunction with various cancer treatments for improved patient outcomes.
Keywords:
NK cellsanti-cancer therapiescancercheckpoint inhibitorschemotherapylocal ablation therapiesoncolytic virusprotein kinase inhibitorsradiotherapy

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