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Title: Natural Killer Cell Mechanosensing in Solid Tumors
Natural killer (NK) cells, which are an exciting alternative cell source for cancer immunotherapies, must sense and respond to their physical environment to traffic to and eliminate cancer cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which NK cells receive mechanical signals and explore recent key findings regarding the impact of the physical characteristics of solid tumors on NK cell functions. Data suggest that different mechanical stresses present in solid tumors facilitate NK cell functions, especially infiltration and degranulation. Moreover, we review recent engineering advances that can be used to systemically study the role of mechanical forces on NK cell activity. Understanding the mechanisms by which NK cells interpret their environment presents potential targets to enhance NK cell immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1845728
PAR ID:
10498256
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
MDPI
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Bioengineering
Volume:
11
Issue:
4
ISSN:
2306-5354
Page Range / eLocation ID:
328
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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