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.
地方性鼻咽癌与爱泼斯坦-巴尔病毒密切相关，该病毒不仅促进肿瘤发生发展，还深刻影响着鼻咽癌的肿瘤免疫微环境。作为先天免疫系统的重要组成部分，自然杀伤细胞在应对病毒感染和恶性细胞转化过程中发挥着关键作用。尤其值得注意的是，自然杀伤细胞具有不依赖主要组织相容性复合体I类分子表达即可靶向肿瘤细胞的独特能力，这意味着那些通过下调MHC I表达来逃避T细胞攻击的肿瘤细胞，反而容易成为自然杀伤细胞的杀伤目标。自然杀伤细胞的活化状态由其表面抑制性与激活性受体产生的信号动态平衡所决定。深入理解自然杀伤细胞在EBV阳性鼻咽癌复杂免疫微环境中的作用至关重要。本综述系统总结了当前对鼻咽癌中自然杀伤细胞的认知进展，重点阐述其在肿瘤免疫微环境中的亚群特征、相互作用机制及细胞毒性功能，并进一步探讨自然杀伤细胞在鼻咽癌治疗中的转化应用前景。本文旨在深化对自然杀伤细胞在鼻咽癌中作用机制的理解，为未来相关研究提供有价值的理论参考。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家