Tumor cell cytotoxicity via natural killer cell-mediated lysis

Tumor cell cytotoxicity via natural killer cell-mediated lysis refers to the process through which NK cells, a subset of cytotoxic lymphocytes, recognize and rapidly destroy tumor cells without prior sensitization. NK cells exert their effects through two major mechanisms: the release of cytolytic granules (containing perforin and granzymes, leading to apoptosis or cell lysis) and engagement of death receptor pathways via ligands such as Fas ligand and TRAIL. In addition, NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), recognizing tumor cells opsonized by specific monoclonal antibodies. This process is central to immune surveillance against cancer and is exploited in several immunotherapies. Rather than a single molecular target, the process involves multiple receptors, signaling proteins, and effector molecules that coordinate the recognition and killing of aberrant cells[1][2][3][4][5][7][8].

Other names

NK cell-mediated cytotoxicityNK cell tumor cell lysisNK cell killingNatural killer cytotoxicity

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (by engaging NK cells through Fc receptors); Direct NK cell activation and cytolytic granule release (perforin, granzyme); Death receptor ligand-induced apoptosis (Fas ligand, TRAIL)