Therapeutic Applications: Natural Killer Cells

Abstract

Natural Killer (NK) cells are potent cytotoxic effector cells for cancer therapy and also for keeping severe viral infections in check. Since, they represent only 10% of the lymphocytes and are often dysfunctional, there are technical challenges in obtaining sufficient numbers of functionally active NK cells from a patient’s blood. Recent advances in therapeutic regimen of NK cells are intended to enhance NK cell activity and targeting strategies. With recent advances in the field of NK cell biology and translational research, it seems that over the next few years, NK cell immunotherapy will move to the forefront of cancer immunotherapy. The current review focuses on recent developments in NK cell immunotherapy including various approaches i.e. augmentation of AntibodyDependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC), manipulation of receptor-mediated activation, and adoptive immunotherapy with ex vivo-expanded NK cells, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-engineered, or engager-modified NK cells.

Keywords

• adoptive immunotherapy
• chimeric antigen receptor
• immunosurveillance