Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells eliminate a large variety of tumor cells and abnormal cells. However, NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often functionally depleted. A few subsets of NK cells even promote tumor growth. This study reviewed the biological properties of NK cells, the dynamic phenotypic changes of NK cells in the TME, and the communication between NK cells and other immune and nonimmune cells.

Keywords

• Cellular communication
• Immune checkpoints
• Immunotherapy
• Natural killer cells
• Tumor microenvironment