Natural Killer Cell Modulator (None)

A natural killer cell modulator refers to any molecule, receptor, or agent that can influence the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system, responsible for recognizing and destroying virally infected cells and tumor-transformed cells. Modulators can enhance or suppress NK cell functions by interacting with their surface receptors or intracellular signaling pathways. Examples include cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-15), small molecules/environmental factors (e.g., AhR ligands), monoclonal antibodies, and engineered proteins (e.g., bispecific antibodies/NK cell engagers). They are explored in cancer immunotherapy to potentiate innate immune responses against tumors, by checkpoint inhibition of inhibitory KIRs/NKG2A and bispecific/trispecific engagers linking tumor antigens with activating receptors.

Modulation of NK cell activity via receptor binding, intracellular signaling pathways, and cytokine secretion.