Natural killer cells and autoimmunity.
Autoimmune diseases are often characterized as clinical syndromes caused by the inappropriate activation of T or B cells resulting in systemic or organ-specific damage. However, studies support a role for the innate immune system, and in particular natural killer (NK) cells, in stimulating or suppressing autoimmunity. This review focuses on recent research elucidating a potential immunoregulatory role for NK cells in modulating T and B cell-mediated autoimmunity.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA. yokoyama@im.wustl.edu
Anthony R
AR
French
Wayne M
WM
Yokoyama