NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies are gaining attention due to their potential to target cancer cells effectively. Recent advancements in receptor engineering have enhanced the therapeutic potential of NK cells by improving their recognition and cytotoxic capabilities. This review discusses the development of NK cell therapies through receptor engineering, focusing on strategies such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) to enhance NK cell function. CARs are engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens, enabling NK cells to target cancer cells without MHC restriction. TCRs allow NK cells to recognize intracellular epitopes, broadening their target range. Engineering NK cells with TCRs or CARs has improved their ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells, as well as their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Strategies to enhance NK cell persistence, infiltration, and function within the tumor microenvironment have also been explored. Challenges in NK cell therapies include limited persistence, poor infiltration into tumors, and the need for effective ex vivo expansion. Receptor engineering has addressed these issues by enhancing NK cell recognition, cytotoxicity, and survival. For example, high-affinity CD16 receptors improve ADCC, while chemokine receptor engineering enhances NK cell migration to tumor sites. IL-15 has been shown to promote NK cell proliferation and survival, with engineered NK cells expressing IL-15 showing improved persistence and cytotoxicity. Additionally, genetic modifications, such as the deletion of the TGFβRII receptor, have been used to counteract immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment, enhancing NK cell function. Overall, receptor engineering has significantly advanced NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies, offering promising treatments with improved efficacy and safety. Future research aims to further optimize these strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies are gaining attention due to their potential to target cancer cells effectively. Recent advancements in receptor engineering have enhanced the therapeutic potential of NK cells by improving their recognition and cytotoxic capabilities. This review discusses the development of NK cell therapies through receptor engineering, focusing on strategies such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) to enhance NK cell function. CARs are engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens, enabling NK cells to target cancer cells without MHC restriction. TCRs allow NK cells to recognize intracellular epitopes, broadening their target range. Engineering NK cells with TCRs or CARs has improved their ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells, as well as their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Strategies to enhance NK cell persistence, infiltration, and function within the tumor microenvironment have also been explored. Challenges in NK cell therapies include limited persistence, poor infiltration into tumors, and the need for effective ex vivo expansion. Receptor engineering has addressed these issues by enhancing NK cell recognition, cytotoxicity, and survival. For example, high-affinity CD16 receptors improve ADCC, while chemokine receptor engineering enhances NK cell migration to tumor sites. IL-15 has been shown to promote NK cell proliferation and survival, with engineered NK cells expressing IL-15 showing improved persistence and cytotoxicity. Additionally, genetic modifications, such as the deletion of the TGFβRII receptor, have been used to counteract immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment, enhancing NK cell function. Overall, receptor engineering has significantly advanced NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies, offering promising treatments with improved efficacy and safety. Future research aims to further optimize these strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.