Natural Killer Cells and Anti-Cancer Therapies: Reciprocal Effects on Immune Function and Therapeutic Response
Elisa C. Toffoli, Abdolkarim Sheikhi, Yannick D. Höppner, Pita de Kok, Mahsa Yazdanpanah‐Samani, Jan Spanholtz, Henk M.W. Verheul, Hans J. van der Vliet, Tanja D. de Gruijl
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with the unique ability to recognize and kill virus-infected and cancer cells without prior immune sensitization. Due to their expression of the Fc receptor CD16, effector NK cells can kill tumor cells through antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, making them relevant players in antibody-based cancer therapies. The role of NK cells in other approved and experimental anti-cancer therapies is more elusive. Here, we review the possible role of NK cells in the efficacy of various anti-tumor therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, as well as the impact of these therapies on NK cell function.