title: Activation and role of natural killer cells in virus infections.
abstract: Natural killer cells may play a significant role in virus infections. Virus-induced interferon activates these cells to become highly cytotoxic, and viral infections may also affect the proliferation of such cells. Non-immune mice have an apparently cellular defense mechanism which rapidly lyses implanted virus-infected cells. The evidence for NK cell involvement in viral disease is reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000494:pharmacology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008216:Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; D007372:Interferons