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The Natural Killer-Dendritic Cell Immune Axis in Anti-Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy

Erin E Peterson1, Kevin C Barry1

  • 1Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States.

Frontiers in Immunology
|February 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cells and conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) communicate to initiate adaptive immunity against cancer. This interaction is vital for improving patient survival and immunotherapy response rates.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells and conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) are key immune cells involved in anti-cancer responses.
  • Both NK cells and cDC1s play individual roles in regulating immune responses to cancer in preclinical models and human patients.
  • Recent research highlights the critical role of communication between NK cells and cDC1s in orchestrating adaptive immunity against tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current findings on the function of NK cells and cDC1s in anti-cancer immunity and immunotherapy.
  • To explore the significance of intercellular crosstalk between NK cells and cDC1s in cancer.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting the NK cell-cDC1 axis for enhanced cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on NK cells, cDC1s, and anti-cancer immunity.
  • Analysis of research investigating the cross-talk between NK cells and cDC1s.
  • Examination of clinical data linking the NK cell-cDC1 axis to patient outcomes and immunotherapy response.

Main Results:

  • The NK cell-cDC1 axis is crucial for initiating and coordinating adaptive immune responses to cancer.
  • Intercellular communication between NK cells and cDC1s is associated with improved survival and response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients.
  • Targeting this innate immune cell axis presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the NK cell-cDC1 axis is essential for developing new immunotherapies.
  • Modulating NK cell and cDC1 interactions can enhance anti-cancer immunity.
  • This axis holds potential for improving patient responses to existing cancer immunotherapies.
Keywords:
cancer immunologydendritic cellimmunotherapyinnate immunitynatural killer cell

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