What Are Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)? - Cleveland Clinic
Natural killer cells (NK cells) are white blood cells that destroy infected cells and cancer cells in your body. NK cells are important fighters in your immune system. Your immune system protects you from harmful invaders, like pathogens (viruses, bacteria and parasites) and cancer cells.
Functions of natural killer cells | Nature Immunology
Apr 18, 2008 · Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage.
Natural killer cell - Wikipedia
NK cells differ from natural killer T cells (NKTs) phenotypically, by origin and by respective effector functions; often, NKT cell activity promotes NK cell activity by secreting interferon gamma.
Human natural killer cells: form, function, and development
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish ‘self’ from ‘non-self’ and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells ...
Natural Killer Cells | British Society for Immunology
NK cells are best known for killing virally infected cells, and detecting and controlling early signs of cancer. As well as protecting against disease, specialized NK cells are also found in the placenta and may play an important role in pregnancy.
Histology, Natural Killer Cells - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Feb 6, 2023 · NK cell's function is regulated by various activating or inhibitory receptors. These germ-line encoded immunoreceptors on the surface of NK cells sense nonspecific alterations of self-cells caused by cellular stress, infections, or malignant transformation. [3]
Human NK cells: From development to effector functions - PMC
Functions of NK cells. (A) NK cells suppress GvHD by directly killing T cells or by indirectly killing APCs. Moreover, NK cells can also promote the development of GvHD through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. (B) NK cells destroy metastatic cells.
Human NK cells, their receptors and function - PubMed Central …
NK cells are cytotoxic components of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) that provide a first line of defense against viral infections and contribute to control tumor growth and metastasis.
Human NK cells: surface receptors, inhibitory checkpoints, and
Feb 18, 2019 · NK cells play important roles in innate defenses against viruses and in the control of tumor growth and metastasis. The regulation/induction of NK cell function is mediated by an array of...
Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development
Feb 1, 2023 · This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy.