Application of in vivo imaging techniques for monitoring natural killer cell migration and tumor infiltration

Abstract

In recent years, the use of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has shown promise against various cancer types. To some extent therapeutic potential of NK cell-based immunotherapy depends on migration of NK cells towards tumors in animal models or human subjects and subsequent infiltration. Constant improvement in the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of NK cells is driving the performance and use of NK cell-based immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize the molecular imaging techniques used in monitoring the migration and infiltration of NK cells in vivo at preclinical and clinical levels. A review of pros and cons of each molecular imaging modality is done. Finally, we provide our perception of the usefulness of molecular imaging approaches for in vivo monitoring of NK cells in preclinical and clinical scenarios.