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Potential Role of Natural Killer Cell Receptor-Expressing Cells in Immunotherapy for Leukemia

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Abstract

Natural killer cell receptor (NKR)-expressing cells have cytolytic activity against leukemic cells, and solid tumor cells escape from T-cell recognition because of the low expression levels of class I HLA molecules in both allogeneic and autologous settings. This characteristic feature of NK cell recognition of target cells in contrast with that of T-cells provides a strategy to overcome tolerance in the tumor-bearing host. Furthermore, inhibitory NKR-expressing cells may have cytolytic activity and immunoregulatory functions. Several methods can be used to expand NKR-expressing cells for adoptive immunotherapy for leukemia and other malignant diseases.We review recent developments in the biology and clinical application of NKR-expressing cells, such as NK cells, lymphokine-activated killer cells, cytokine-induced killer cells, NKT cells, and other NKR-expressing cells.

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  1. Hematology and Oncology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N15 W7, Kita-Ku, 060-8638, Sapporo, Japan

    Junji Tanaka & Masahiro Imamura

  2. Third Department of Internal Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan

    Masahiro Asaka

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  1. Junji Tanaka
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Tanaka, J., Asaka, M. & Imamura, M. Potential Role of Natural Killer Cell Receptor-Expressing Cells in Immunotherapy for Leukemia. Int J Hematol 81, 6–12 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1532/IJH97.04152

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