This review focus on Natural Killer (NK) cell therapies, specifically exploring their potential for cancer treatment. It comprehensively details the biology and function of NK cells, including their classification into subsets and their unique ability to recognize and eliminate distressed cells, such as tumor cells, without requiring prior antigen-specific priming like T cells. The source analyzes current and emerging therapeutic strategies centered on harnessing NK cell immunity, which include monoclonal-antibody-based therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and NK cell engagers, and cell-based therapies such as infusions of ex vivo conditioned or genetically modified NK cells, including CAR NK cells. Finally, the text discusses the challenges and future directions for optimizing NK cell efficacy, such as enhancing persistence and developing effective combination treatments, especially for solid tumors.

References:

• Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, et al. Natural killer cell therapies[J]. Nature, 2024, 626(8000): 727-736.