The role of natural killer cells in viral infections.
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors for the lysis of both neoplastic and virus-infected cells. Lectin-like receptors on human NK cells, such as NKR-PIA and CD94, bind to target cell carbohydrate ligands and initiate the lytic process. In addition, P58 and P70 bind to major histocompatibility class I antigens on targets and mediate negative signals. Models using NK cell-deficient mice have proven useful in elaborating the role of NK cells in the immune defence against multiple viral agents. In addition, studies in humans have suggested a vital role of NK cells in the host defence against human immunodeficiency virus, herpesviruses, hepatitis B and C and other viruses. Several genetic disorders, chronic illnesses and infections have been associated with decreased NK function.
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UC Irvine Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Orange 92668, USA.
Khemka
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Sahl
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Bui
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Tilles
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D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology*; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen / Q000378:metabolism; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000954:Antigens, Surface; C527203:KLRB1 protein, human; C497869:KLRD1 protein, human; C497870:Klrd1 protein, mouse; D037102:Lectins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen