NK cells in immunity: from basic biology to therapeutic innovations

Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical innate lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in host defense against tumors and viral infections. Unlike adaptive T and B cells, NK cells do not require prior sensitization to eliminate malignant or infected cells, acting through a complex balance of activating and inhibitory receptors. Beyond their cytotoxic functions, NK cells are potent producers of cytokines and chemokines that shape subsequent immune responses. Recent research has expanded our understanding of NK cell biology beyond the circulation, revealing a remarkable diversity in their development, phenotype, and function across different tissues. This heterogeneity, coupled with the discovery of long-lived tissue-resident NK populations, has redefined their role not just as first responders but as key regulators of overall immune homeostasis and tissue health.A central problem in the field is translating the rapidly expanding fundamental knowledge of NK cell biology into effective and predictable clinical therapies. While NK cells are powerful anti-tumor effectors, their efficacy in solid tumors and their long-term persistence in vivo remain significant challenges. This Research Topic aims to tackle these hurdles by collating cutting-edge research on NK cell engineering, metabolic adaptation, and functional crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances, such as the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, the exploration of cytokines to enhance persistence, and strategies to overcome immunosuppressive metabolites, provide a strong foundation. Our goal is to foster a collection of works that bridge basic science and therapeutic innovation, ultimately contributing to the design of next-generation NK cell-based immunotherapies that are more potent, durable, and integrated with other treatment modalities.• NK Cells in Immunity: From Basic Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications Topic editors: Erxia Shen, Youcai Deng, Jiacheng Bi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75042/nk-cells-in-immunity-from-basic-biology-to-therapeutic-innovations