Deciphering the Multifaceted Relationship between Oncolytic Viruses and Natural Killer Cells

Figure 3

Innate immune effector cells, including NK cells and macrophages, represent an initial barrier to viral infection, replication, and spread. Following infection, NK cells are recruited to the site of infection and adopt an activated phenotype. Through their IFN-γ production, they also facilitate the maturation and activation of macrophages which adopt an inflammatory “M1” phenotype. Lastly, macrophages create a feedback loop by producing a variety of inflammatory cytokines that mediate NK activation. This inflammatory response creates a potent antiviral microenvironment while also communicating with the adaptive immunity.