Journal Article

NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy

Wang, Tingting, Yang, Li, Li, Zhen, Zhang, Hao

2024

Overview

Natural killer (NK) cells display a unique inherent ability to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells. They are particularly powerful for elimination of hematological cancers, and have attracted considerable interests for therapy of solid tumors. However, the treatment of solid tumors with NK cells are less effective, which can be attributed to the very complicated immunosuppressive microenvironment that may lead to the inactivation, insufficient expansion, short life, and the poor tumor infiltration of NK cells. Fortunately, the development of advanced nanotechnology has provided potential solutions to these issues, and could improve the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the activation and inhibition mechanisms of NK cells in solid tumors, and the recent advances in NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy boosted by diverse nanomaterials. We also propose the challenges and opportunities for the clinical application of NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy. [Display omitted] •First comprehensive summary of the recent advances in the use of nanomaterials for enhancing NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.•The mechanisms of NK cell activation and inhibition for immunotherapy.•Rational design and fabrication of nanomaterials to elaborately enhance NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.•Challenges and opportunities for NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy in clinical applications.

• Publisher: Elsevier B.V,KeAi Publishing,KeAi Communications Co., Ltd
• Subject: Endogenous NK cells / Exogenous NK cells / Immunotherapy / Nanomaterials / NK cells / Review