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Updated: May 11, 2025

Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells
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NK Cell Senescence in Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

Zilin Qiu1,2, Zhengrui Li3, Cangang Zhang4

  • 1Donghai County People's Hospital - Jiangnan University Smart Healthcare Joint Laboratory, Donghai County People's Hospital (Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University), Lianyungang, 222000, China.

Aging and Disease
|April 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cell senescence impairs the immune response against cancer. Understanding NK cell senescence and targeting it may improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cellular senescence

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells are vital for innate immunity against tumors.
  • NK cell senescence, marked by altered phenotype and function, weakens anti-tumor responses.
  • This compromises the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms of NK cell senescence.
  • To explore the impact of NK cell senescence on cancer immunotherapy.
  • To propose a refined definition and discuss mitigation strategies for NK cell senescence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies.
  • Analysis of the interplay between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and NK cell senescence.
  • Examination of senescent NK cells as potential biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • NK cell senescence is characterized by elevated CD57, reduced cytotoxicity, and altered cytokine secretion.
  • The TME, through chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive factors, drives NK cell senescence.
  • Senescent NK cells can serve as biomarkers and negatively impact immunotherapy efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • A refined understanding of NK cell senescence is crucial for improving cancer immunotherapy.
  • Targeting NK cell senescence via gene editing or cytokine modulation holds therapeutic potential.
  • Further research into NK cell senescence within the TME can guide novel treatment strategies.

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