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Review
. 2022 Aug 6;10(3):990-1004.
doi: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.07.009. eCollection 2023 May.

Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies

Liping Wang  1 , Zhe Chen  2 , Guohong Liu  3 , Yunbao Pan  1
Affiliations
Review

Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies

Liping Wang et al. Genes Dis. .

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells eliminate a large variety of tumor cells and abnormal cells. However, NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often functionally depleted. A few subsets of NK cells even promote tumor growth. This study reviewed the biological properties of NK cells, the dynamic phenotypic changes of NK cells in the TME, and the communication between NK cells and other immune and nonimmune cells.

Keywords: Cellular communication; Immune checkpoints; Immunotherapy; Natural killer cells; Tumor microenvironment.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Figure 1
The mechanism of NK cell-mediated tumor cell death.
Fig. 2
Figure 2
Interactions between NK and tumor cells in TME.
Fig. 3
Figure 3
Communication between NK and T cells in the TME.
Fig. 4
Figure 4
Communication between NK cells and DCs in the TME.
Fig. 5
Figure 5
Communication between NK cells and macrophages in the TME.
Fig. 6
Figure 6
Communication between NK cells and other cells in the TME.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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