[Frontiers in Bioscience E2, 380-391, January 1, 2010]

The role of natural killer cells in cancer therapy

Sae Kyung Lee, Stephan Gasser

Immunology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, #03-10, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Natural killer cells
2.1. Regulation of NK cell functions
2.2. Recognition of target cells by NK cells
2.3. Blocking of inhibitory signals in NK cell therapy
2.4. Modification of positive signals in NK cell activation
2.5. Induction of ligands for activating receptors
3. Conclusion and prospects
4. Acknowledgments
5. References

1. ABSTRACT

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that have long been known to be involved in the recognition and lysis of tumor cells. Despite significant gains in our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate NK cell function, the development of successful NK cell-based therapies has not yet been achieved. However, recent advances in our ability to modulate NK receptor signals and the sensitivity of tumor cells to NK cell-mediated lysis have led to a number of clinical trials testing novel methods to enhance NK cytotoxicity against cancer. Here, we present an overview of current therapies.