Oncogenic stress sensed by the immune system: role of natural killer cell receptors

Nat Rev Immunol. 2009 Aug;9(8):568-80. doi: 10.1038/nri2604.

Abstract

A growing body of research is addressing how pathways that are dysregulated during tumorigenesis are linked to innate immune responses, which can contribute to immune surveillance of cancer. Components of the innate immune system that are localized in tissues are thought to eliminate early neoplastic cells, thereby preventing or delaying the establishment of advanced tumours. This Review addresses our current understanding of the mechanisms that detect cellular stresses that are associated with tumorigenesis and that culminate in the recognition and, in some cases, the elimination of the tumour cells by natural killer cells and other lymphocytes that express natural killer cell receptors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • DNA Damage / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology
  • Immunologic Surveillance / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell