The breast tumor microenvironment alters the phenotype and function of natural killer cells.

摘要: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune with the ability to identify and eliminate transformed cells. However, within tumors, many studies have described NK as non-functional. The developmental stage of tumor-associated how this may relate functionality has not been explored. We examined state from polyoma middle T antigen (pyMT) transgenic mouse (MMTV-pMT) breast tumors. In pyMT were immature evidenced by their decreased expression DX5 CD27(low)CD11b(low) phenotype. These also had increased NKG2A expressed low levels NKp46, perforin, granzyme B. contrast, splenic isolated same mice maintained maturity activation markers. To delineate whether tumor microenvironment directly alters cells, we adoptively transferred labeled followed status in both spleen tumor. that arrived at half NKp46 three days transfer comparison those which spleen. an effort modify assess plasticity intratumoral treated tumors IL-12 anti-TGF-β. After one week treatment, was increased; thus, indicating these possess mature become activated. A better understanding modified will help develop strategies aimed bolstering responses against