NK cells and cancer.

Abstract

In this review, we overview the main features and functions of NK cells, focusing on their role in cell-mediated immune response to tumor cells. In parallel, we discuss the information available in the field of NK cell receptors and offer a wide general overview of functional aspects of cell targeting and killing, focusing on the recent acknowledgments on the efficacy of NK cells after cytokine and mAb administration in cancer therapy. Since efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapy has been proven in KIR-mismatch regimens or in TRAIL-dependent apoptosis, the ability to manipulate the balance of activating and inhibitory receptors on NK cells and of their cognate ligands, as well as the sensitivity of tumor cells to apoptosis, opens new perspectives for NK cell-based immunotherapy.

• Authors: Loris Zamai, Cristina Ponti, Prisco Mirandola, Giuliana Gobbi, Stefano Papa, Laura Galeotti, Lucio Cocco, Marco Vitale
• Journal: Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) (J Immunol) Vol. 178 Issue 7 Pg. 4011-6 (Apr 01 2007) ISSN: 0022-1767 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17371953 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Humans
• Immunity, Cellular
• Immunotherapy, Adoptive
• Killer Cells, Natural (immunology)
• Neoplasms (immunology, therapy)