“NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basic biology to clinical development” (2021), by Sizhe Liu et al. Immunology and Microbiology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basic biology to clinical development

Sizhe Liu, Vasiliy Galat, Yekaterina Galat et al. · January 6, 2021 · Immunology and Microbiology

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cell is a specialized immune effector cell type that plays a critical role in immune activation against abnormal cells. Different from events required for T cell activation, NK cell activation is governed by the interaction of NK receptors with target cells, independent of antigen processing and presentation. Due to relatively unsophisticated cues for activation, NK cell has gained significant attention in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Many efforts are emerging for developing and engineering NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we provide our current understandings of NK cell biology, ongoing pre-clinical and clinical development of NK cell-based therapies and discuss the progress, challenges, and future perspectives.

Free PDF DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01014-w