Natural killer cell in the development and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. It has a high metastasis rate and a poor prognosis. HNSCC often brings severe facial deformitiesand dysfunctions such as eating and pronunciation to patients. Nature Killer cells (NK cells) are innate immune system effector cells that directly recognize and kill tumor cells. Studies have shown that NK cells activity are associated with the prognosis of HNSCC, and HNSCC developed with the reduction or inhibition of NK cells. Previous studies believe that natural killer cells can be reactivated to improve the curative effect of HNSCC, showing the potential of natural killer cells. This article reviews the application of natural killer cells in the development and treatment of HNSCC.

Keywords

• nature killer cells
• head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
• immunotherapy