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NK Cell Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment.

NK Cell Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment.

Authors :
Terrén I
Orrantia A
Vitallé J
Zenarruzabeitia O
Borrego F
Source :
Frontiers in immunology [Front Immunol] 2019 Sep 24; Vol. 10, pp. 2278. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Sep 24 (Print Publication: 2019).
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Natural Killer (NK) cells are characterized by their potential to kill tumor cells by different means without previous sensitization and have, therefore, become a valuable tool in cancer immunotherapy. However, their efficacy against solid tumors is still poor and further studies are required to improve it. One of the major restrictions for NK cell activity is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). There, tumor and other immune cells create the appropriate conditions for tumor proliferation while, among others, preventing NK cell activation. Furthermore, NK cell metabolism is impaired in the TME, presumably due to nutrient and oxygen deprivation, and the higher concentration of tumor-derived metabolic end products, such as lactate. This metabolic restriction of NK cells limits their effector functions, and it could represent a potential target to focus on to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based therapies against solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the potential effect of TME into NK cell metabolism and its influence in NK cell effector functions.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 Terrén, Orrantia, Vitallé, Zenarruzabeitia and Borrego.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1664-3224
Volume :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Frontiers in immunology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31616440
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.02278