학술논문
The Role of Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*KILLER cells
*T cells
*CELL physiology
*EPSTEIN-Barr virus diseases
*ANTINEOPLASTIC agents
*MAJOR histocompatibility complex
*CARCINOGENESIS
*CYTOKINES
*DISEASE complications
NASOPHARYNX tumors
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Language
ISSN
2072-6694
Abstract
Simple Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial cancer associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV infection contributes to not only the tumorigenesis of NPC but also the formation of a complicated tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NPC. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphoid members of the innate immune system exhibiting both anti-tumor and anti-virus abilities. The cytokine and cellular interaction features of NK cells are distinct from those of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This unique characteristic has not been fully described in EBV+ NPC. This review provides an overview of the complicated crosstalk between NK cells and the TIME of EBV+ NPC and potential therapeutic strategies. A new perspective is proposed to direct future exploration. Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which contributes to tumor development and influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NPC. Natural killer (NK) cells, as part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in responding to viral infections and malignant cell transformations. Notably, NK cells possess a unique ability to target tumor cells independent of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression. This means that MHC I-deficient tumor cells, which can escape from effective T cell attack, are susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. The activation of NK cells is determined by the signals generated through inhibitory and activating receptors expressed on their surface. Understanding the role of NK cells in the complex TIME of EBV+ NPC is of utmost importance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of NK cells in NPC, focusing on their subpopulations, interactions, and cytotoxicity within the TIME. Moreover, we discuss the potential translational therapeutic applications of NK cells in NPC. This review aims to enhance our knowledge of the role of NK cells in NPC and provide valuable insights for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]