| Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as key players in innate immunity have been shown
to be significantly associated with inflammation, lymphoid neogenesis, tissue
remodeling, mucosal immunity and lately have been considered a remarkable
nominee for either tumor‐promoting or tumor‐inhibiting functions. This dual role
of ILCs, which is driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors like plasticity of ILCs and
the tumor microenvironment, respectively, has aroused interest in ILCs subsets in
past decade. So far, numerous studies in the cancer field have revealed ILCs to be
key players in the initiation, progression and inhibition of tumors, therefore
providing valuable insights into therapeutic approaches to utilize the immune
system against cancer. Herein, the most recent achievements regarding ILCs
subsets including new classifications, their transcription factors, markers, cytokine
release and mechanisms that led to either progression or inhibition of many
tumors have been evaluated. Additionally, the available data regarding ILCs in
most prevalent cancers and new therapeutic approaches are summarized. |