Work

NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) impairs natural killer (NK) cell infiltration and persistence within tumor tissue and significantly diminishes NK-mediated cytotoxicity. This presents a substantial barrier to the efficacy of NK cell therapy in solid tumors. Current strategies aim to overcome immune evasion by enhancing NK cell recognition and cytotoxicity, while promoting their persistence, infiltration, and resistance to the TME. This review focusses on the biophysical characteristics of TME and specific components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that affect NK cell activity, with the goal of identifying therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and create a supportive niche for adaptive immune cell function. Advancements in interdisciplinary collaborations integrating oncology, cell biology, physics, engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology are crucial in advancing therapeutic strategies targeting ECM rigidity and mechanotransduction signaling pathways.

Source: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1609479

Authors: A. V. Kuznetsova, X. A. Glukhova, I. P. Beletsky, A. A. Ivanov

Institutions: Russian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Aalto University

Language: English

Topic: Immune Cell Function and Interaction

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801