Nanobiomaterials to modulate natural killer cell responses for effective cancer immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as a major target for cancer immunothera-pies, particularly as cellular therapy modalities because they have relatively less toxicity than T lymphocytes. However, NK cell-based therapy suffers from many challenges, including problems with its activation, resistance to genetic engi-neering, and large-scale expansion needed for therapeutic purposes. Recently, nanobiomaterials have emerged as a promising solution to control the chal-lenges associated with NK cells. This focused review summarises the recent advances in the field and highlights current and future perspectives of using nanobiomaterials to maximise anticancer responses of NK cells for safe and effective immunotherapy. Finally, we provide our opinion on the role of smart materials in activating NK cells as a potential cellular therapy of the future.

Automated summary

Natural killer (NK) cells are being explored as a major target for cancer immunotherapies, particularly as cellular therapy modalities due to their lower toxicity compared to T lymphocytes. However, there are challenges regarding the activation, genetic engineering resistance, and large-scale expansion of NK cell-based therapy. The use of nanobiomaterials has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges and enhance the anticancer responses of NK cells for safer and more effective immunotherapy. Smart materials may play a crucial role in activating NK cells as a potential cellular therapy of the future.