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Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer

Xiangyu Zhao1, Minghao Lin1, Xiaojun Huang1

  • 1Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.

Medical Review (2021)
|January 18, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cell therapy shows promise for cancer treatment. Enhancing NK cell proliferation and function is key to overcoming limitations and improving clinical application for better cancer elimination.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells have inherent cancer-fighting capabilities.
  • NK cell therapy faces challenges including poor proliferation and induced dysfunction in cancer patients.
  • Current clinical application of NK cell infusion is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive analysis of NK cell therapy for cancer.
  • To discuss the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy.
  • To focus on strategies for enhancing NK cell targeting and overcoming tumor immune suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on NK cell biology and therapy.
  • Analysis of biotechnological advancements in NK cell therapy.
  • Examination of strategies to improve NK cell function and overcome tumor microenvironment challenges.

Main Results:

  • NK cells are potent innate immune cells against cancer.
  • Challenges in NK cell proliferation and function hinder therapeutic efficacy.
  • Biotechnology offers potential solutions for enhancing NK cell therapy.

Conclusions:

  • NK cell therapy holds significant potential for cancer treatment.
  • Overcoming limitations in NK cell expansion and function is crucial for clinical success.
  • Targeting strategies and modulating the tumor microenvironment are key future directions.
Keywords:
CAR-NK cell therapyhematological malignanciesnatural killer cell therapysolid tumors

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