Natural Killer Cells: Future Role for Cancer Immunotherapy
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are capable of killing virally infected and physiologically stressed cells, like tumor cells. In addition to their ability to directly kill cancer cells, NK cells are capable of enhancing both antibody and T-cell responses. Moreover, ex vivo activation, expansion, and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity and equip them to overcome resistance. As a result of these observations, NK cells are currently the focus of intense investigation with the potential to become a key therapeutic modality in the next wave of cancer treatments.
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