A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 12;23(2):797. doi: 10.3390/ijms23020797.

Abstract

Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.

Keywords: cancer; immunotherapy; natural killer cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Genetic Engineering / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm