[NK cells: a major role in the antitumoral immunomodulation in CML]

Abstract

Convincing clinical and experimental evidence is converging on the essential role of NK (Natural Killer) cells in the recognition and eradication of tumors. Recent studies emphasized the role of NK cells in the immune control of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a malignancy arising from hematopoietic stem cells, and the treatment of which has been revolutionized by the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Three major findings are emerging: 1) the impairment of the numbers and function of NK cells at diagnosis, 2) the restoration of the NK cell function and numbers during remissions induced with TKI therapies and 3) the potential role of the more mature NK CD56^dim cell population in maintaining relapse-free survival after stopping TKI therapy. Immunological control of CML by NK cells which has been suspected for several decades is thus a new field of investigation for future therapies.