NK cells and cancer.
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.
Zamai
Loris
L
Institute of Histology and Laboratory Analysis, University of Urbino, Via Ubaldini 7, I-61020 Urbino, Italy. l.zamai@uniurb.it
Ponti
Cristina
C
Mirandola
Prisco
P
Gobbi
Giuliana
G
Papa
Stefano
S
Galeotti
Laura
L
Cocco
Lucio
L
Vitale
Marco
M
D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*