Figure 5
From: MUC16 (CA125): tumor biomarker to cancer therapy, a work in progress
Model for MUC16-induced NK cell inhibition. MUC16 released from tumors binds to naïve NK cells (shown in red) and along with other tumor derived factors induces a phenotypic and functional change. The altered NK cells (shown in blue) secrete cytokines that promote angiogenesis. The cell surface bound MUC16, on the other hand, acts as an anti-adhesive mucin and blocks the interaction between the NK cells and ovarian tumor cells thereby preventing cancer cell cytolysis.