Natural killer cell memory: challenges and opportunities for cancer immunotherapy

• Published in: Cancer biology & therapy Vol. 25; no. 1; p. 2376410
• Main Authors: Qu, Yuhua, Zeng, Anhui, Cheng, Yulu, Li, Shengchun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 31.12.2024; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Animals; cytokine-induced memory NK cells; Humans; Immunologic Memory; immunotherapy; Immunotherapy - methods; Killer Cells, Natural - immunology; Natural killer cell; natural killer cell memory; Neoplasms - immunology; Neoplasms - therapy; Review; Natural killer cell; cytokine-induced memory NK cells; natural killer cell memory; immunotherapy
• ISSN: 1538-4047; 1555-8576; 1555-8576
• DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2376410

Substantial advancements have been made in recent years in comprehending immune memory, which enhances the secondary response through prior infections. The ability of vertebrate T and B lymphocytes to exhibit classic recall responses has long been regarded as a distinguishing characteristic. However, natural killer (NK) cells have been found to acquire immunological memory in a manner akin to T and B cells. The fundamental principles derived from the investigation of NK cell memory offer novel insights into innate immunity and have the potential to pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance therapeutic interventions against multiple diseases including cancer. Here, we reviewed the fundamental characteristics, memory development and regulatory mechanism of NK cell memory. Moreover, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the accomplishments, obstacles, and future direction pertaining to the utilization of NK cell memory in the field of cancer immunotherapy.