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A Flow Cytometry-Based Cytotoxicity Assay for the Assessment of Human NK Cell Activity
Published on: August 9, 2017
Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer
Zeinab Ghazvinian1, Shahrokh Abdolahi2, Samaneh Tokhanbigli2
1Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells show potent anti-tumor properties and are crucial for innate immunity. This review explores NK cell-based therapies, including CAR NK cells and vaccines, as promising treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of the innate immune system, mediating cytotoxic activity against tumor and infected cells.
- The balance of activator and inhibitory receptors on NK cells dictates their cytotoxic function.
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge, with metastatic disease having a poor prognosis, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of NK cells in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC).
- To explore various NK cell-based therapeutic approaches for CRC treatment.
- To highlight adaptive NK cell therapy as a significant advancement in CRC immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NK cell biology and function.
- Analysis of current and emerging NK cell-based therapeutic strategies for CRC.
- Focus on adoptive NK cell therapy, including CAR NK cells, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulatory drugs.
Main Results:
- Circulating NK cells serve as a prognostic marker in CRC patients.
- NK cell-based therapies aim to enhance tumor cell recognition and elimination.
- Allogeneic NK cell therapy is under active investigation in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- NK cells possess potent anti-tumor properties, making them a promising avenue for CRC treatment.
- Adaptive NK cell therapy represents a significant milestone in improving immune cell-mediated tumor elimination.
- Various NK cell-related approaches, including CAR NK cells and immunomodulatory drugs, show potential against CRC.
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