{"id":"045c00b5-10dd-48ac-a5e5-8d3c575d5129","slug":"natural-killer-cells-in-the-brain-tumor-microenvironment-defining-a-new-era-in-neuro-oncology","title":"Natural killer cells in the brain tumor microenvironment: Defining a new era in neuro-oncology","authors":["Jawad Fares","Mohamad Y. Fares","Youssef Fares"],"abstract":"Background: Malignant brain tumors utilize various mechanisms to evade local and systemic immunity, with the blood-brain barrier posing a significant challenge for effective treatment. Recent studies have shifted the understanding of immune cell roles in brain tumors, highlighting the tumor microenvironment's influence on immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells, crucial for antitumor immunity, have shown effectiveness against brain tumors, particularly glioblastomas. Summary: NK cells are integral to the immune landscape of brain tumors, yet their functionality is often compromised by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Despite being present in various brain tumors, NK cells face challenges that limit their antitumor activity, including the secretion of immunosuppressive factors by tumor cells. Emerging NK cell-based therapies show promise, particularly when combined with other immunotherapeutic strategies. Conclusion: NK cells play a significant role in antitumor immunity within brain tumors, and initial studies on NK cell therapies indicate potential benefits. However, further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms of tumor-induced immune evasion and to develop effective combination therapies that enhance NK cell function. Optimizing NK cell therapies could lead to improved outcomes for patients with malignant brain tumors. Keywords: natural killer cells, brain tumors, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, glioblastoma, antitumor immunity, immune evasion, NK cell therapy","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/045c00b5-10dd-48ac-a5e5-8d3c575d5129/featured/hero-1782420870103.png","publishDate":"2019-03-26T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI-97-2019","categories":["Neuro-oncology","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9241/SNI-10-43.pdf"}