The wolf in sheep's clothing: Platelet-derived "pseudo self" impairs cancer cell "missing self" recognition by NK cells.

Metastasis is strongly inhibited in thrombocytopenic mice. This phenotype is reversed by NK cell depletion which indicates that platelets may facilitate tumor progression and metastasis by interfering with NK cell immunosurveillance. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may help us to reinforce anti-tumor immunity and NK-based immunotherapy in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]