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Natural killer cells in human solid tumors
Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells show reduced activity in advanced cancers, with tumor-infiltrating NK cells often less effective. Their role in controlling human neoplasia remains challenging due to low effector cell frequency and tumor resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity and cancer surveillance.
- Their role in human neoplastic diseases is under investigation to understand cancer control and therapeutic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the role of NK cells in controlling human neoplasia.
- To monitor therapeutic effects on NK cell activity.
- To investigate NK cell activity in various cancer stages and types.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of NK activity against susceptible cell lines.
- Analysis of NK cytotoxicity in tumor tissues and effusions.
- Comparison of blood NK activity with tumor-associated NK activity.
Main Results:
- NK activity is often depressed in advanced solid tumors but not early stages.
- Tumor-associated lymphoid cells typically exhibit low NK cytotoxicity, varying by tumor type and site.
- Fresh human tumors are generally resistant to NK cell-mediated lysis, especially with autologous cells.
Conclusions:
- Low frequency of NK effector cells at tumor sites and tumor resistance limit their role in established human neoplasia.
- Blood NK activity may not accurately reflect activity within the tumor microenvironment.
- Further research is needed to overcome NK cell resistance and improve their anti-neoplastic function.