NK cells in prostate cancer

Advanced modalities in the treatment of prostate cancer, an important health problem among men, draw attention to the field of cancer immunotherapy. Although the immune system holds promise for prostate cancer treatment, the biological processes associated with prostate cancer cells and immune cells have not yet been fully elucidated. The prostate cancer microenvironment is a complex system containing a large number of immune cells. Among multiple immune cells, natural killer (NK) cells have enormous potential in targeting various cancer cells. NK cells, which are an important part of the innate immune system, play a very important role as a first-line defense against prostate cancer cells. Various strategies have been adopted by researchers to increase the efficiency of NK cells. However, there are many difficulties to increase the therapeutic relevance of NK cells. This review will provide a perspective on the phenotypic and functional properties of NK cells, molecular links between NK cells and prostate cancer cells, and the therapeutic and prognostic significances of NK cells in both advanced hormone naïve prostate cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.