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Natural Killer Cells in Cancer and Cancer Immunotherapy

Hans Raskov1, Adile Orhan2, Ali Salanti3

  • 1Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, DK-4600, Køge, Denmark.

Cancer Letters
|July 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for detecting and killing cancer cells. Research explores combining NK cells with other immunotherapies to improve cancer treatment efficacy and patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Neoplastic cell detection and elimination involve multiple antitumor effector cells.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells, part of the innate immune system, are key in cancer defense.
  • NK cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in tumors impact treatment outcomes and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in NK cell research within cancer and immunotherapy.
  • To discuss the potential of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To explore novel combinatorial strategies involving NK cells and T cells for improved cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on NK cells in cancer.
  • Analysis of NK cell mechanisms in antitumor immune responses.
  • Examination of modern immunotherapeutic approaches and their limitations.

Main Results:

  • NK cells exhibit rapid recognition and killing of transformed cells with minimal self-tissue reactivity.
  • Current immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T cells have limitations, including short-lived responses and adverse effects.
  • Investigating combinatorial interventions using T cells and NK cells is a promising strategy.

Conclusions:

  • NK cells hold significant potential for cancer immunotherapy due to their targeted cytotoxicity.
  • Developing safer immuno-oncologic therapies with improved outcomes is essential.
  • Future cancer treatment may benefit from novel combinatorial strategies involving NK cells and T cells.
Keywords:
CancerImmunotherapyNatural killer cells

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