Natural Killer Cell Therapies Pipeline are lymphocytes in the same family as T and B cells, coming from a common progenitor. However, as cells of the innate immune system, NK cells are classified as group I Innate Lymphocytes (ILCs) and respond quickly to a wide variety of pathological challenges. NK cells are best known for killing virally infected cells, and detecting and controlling early signs of cancer. As well as protecting against disease, specialized NK cells are also found in the placenta and may play an important role in pregnancy.
NK cells were first noticed for their ability to kill tumor cells without any priming or prior activation (in contrast to cytotoxic T cells, which need priming by antigen presenting cells). They are named for this ‘natural’ killing. Additionally, NK cells secrete cytokines such as IFNγ and TNFα, which act on other immune cells like Macrophage and Dendritic cells to enhance the immune response.
While T-cells are considered to be part of the adaptive immune system, NK cells are categorized as a cell within the innate immune system. Similar to cytotoxic T-cells, NK cells have the ability to recognize distressed cells (such as cancer cells) and kill them. This capability has led investigators to explore whether NK cells can be used in immunotherapy much like T-cells are used, but without the side-effects often associated with Tell- based treatments, such as cytokine storm or GvHD (graft versus host disease).
In turn, immuno-oncology researchers are leveraging the knowledge they have obtained from the use of T-cell therapy and applying it to NK cells, with the goal of developing immuno-oncology treatments that are efficacious while avoiding the risks associated with other immunotherapies. Several cancer clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of adoptive NK cell therapy, in which activated and expanded NK cells are transferred to cancer patients. Side effects of such an immunotherapy need to be determined after: longer follow-up of the patients in order to learn about the late side effects; and its application in a wider range of malignancies since its side effects might vary in different types of cancer and/or in different locations.
Read Here Again- What is Natural Killer Cell Therapies
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