Adaptive NK Cells Show Tumor Memory in Ovarian Cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a specialized group of immune cells, called adaptive natural killer (aNK) cells, capable of recognizing and attacking ovarian tumors by retaining memory of cancer-specific signals. Published in Cancer Immunology Research, the findings highlight aNK cells’ potential to enhance immunotherapy for challenging cancers like ovarian cancer.

Natural killer (NK) cells are white blood cells that detect and destroy infected or cancerous cells without prior exposure. Unlike conventional NK cells, aNK cells possess a unique memory function, enabling them to recall prior encounters with tumors or infections and mount stronger responses during subsequent attacks. This trait positions them as a promising tool for cancer treatment.

The study revealed that aNK cells not only infiltrate tumors but also collaborate with other immune cells to amplify their cancer-fighting effects. By analyzing human immune cells and ovarian tumor tissues using advanced single-cell RNA sequencing and gene expression mapping, researchers tracked how aNK cells interact with cancer cells.

“Our results demonstrate that aNK cells have great potential for treating cancer, especially for patients with difficult-to-treat ovarian cancer,” said Dhifaf Sarhan, the study’s lead researcher. “The study also challenges previous perceptions of NK cells, which have historically been considered only innate immune cells with no memory function against cancer,” she continues. “This opens new opportunities for the development of innovative immunotherapies.”

“The next step in our research is to develop methods that increase the number and activity of aNK cells in patients, followed by clinical trials to evaluate their effect on patient survival rates,” Sarhan added.