NK cell-mediated targeting of human cancer and possibilities for new means of immunotherapy.
Insights into the molecular basis for natural killer (NK) cell recognition of human cancer have been obtained in recent years. Here, we review current knowledge on the molecular specificity and function of human NK cells. Evidence for NK cell targeting of human tumors is provided and new strategies for NK cell-based immunotherapy against human cancer are discussed. Based on current knowledge, we foresee a development where more cancers may be subject to treatment with drugs or other immunomodulatory agents affecting NK cells, either directly or indirectly. We also envisage a possibility that certain forms of cancers may be subject to treatment with adoptively transferred NK cells, either alone or in combination with other therapeutic interventions.
Malmberg
Karl-Johan
KJ
Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. Kalle.Malmberg@ki.se
Bryceson
Yenan T
YT
Carlsten
Mattias
M
Andersson
Sandra
S
Björklund
Andreas
A
Björkström
Niklas K
NK
Baumann
Bettina C
BC
Fauriat
Cyril
C
Alici
Evren
E
Dilber
M Sirac
MS
Ljunggren
Hans-Gustaf
HG
D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*