Born to Kill: NK Cells Go to War against Cancer

Trends Cancer. 2019 Mar;5(3):143-145. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.12.005. Epub 2019 Jan 12.

Abstract

Preclinical and clinical data emerging over the past year demonstrate that cancer cells suppress the cytotoxic functions of natural killer cells by a variety of mechanisms. These findings reveal a new arsenal of actionable therapeutic targets to drive clinically relevant immune responses against cancer.

Keywords: NKG2A; NKG2D; PD-1; durvalumab; immune checkpoint blockers; immunotherapy; monalizumab; pembrolizumab.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological