Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are a unique subset of cytotoxic lymphocytes within the innate immune system. They play a pivotal role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. NK cell-based adoptive immunotherapy has advanced rapidly in recent years. Innovative approaches, such as autologous/haploidentical NK cell infusion, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, and NK cell engagers, have emerged, demonstrating promising potential in the treatment of various diseases. Currently, enhancement strategies for NK cell therapy primarily focus on two key aspects: improving expansion efficiency and persistence, with a positive effect on the therapy's potency and cytotoxic efficacy. The present review systematically introduces the functional mechanisms of NK cells and their specialized functional subsets. This review discusses the progress and optimization methods of NK cell therapy and provides an outlook on future research directions.
Source: Cancer Biology & Therapy
Authors: Huijie Hu, Yan Xiong, Minxin Xia, Lixia Sheng
Institution: Ningbo University
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,970
Awards: G2118395530, G5039314076, G7313253579
OpenAlex ID: W7155630671