NK cells and type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by an immuno-mediated progressive destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Due to the ability of NK cells to kill target cells as well as to interact with antigen-presenting and T cells, it has been suggested that they could be involved in one or multiple steps of the immune-mediated attack that leads to T1D. Abnormalities in the frequency and activity of NK cells have been described both in animal models and patients with T1D. Some of these alterations are linked to its onset while others seem to be a consequence of the disease. Here, we discuss the main characteristics of NK cells and review the studies that investigated the role of NK cells in T1D, both in mouse models and humans.
Rodacki
Melanie
M
Diabetes and Nutrology Section, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. mrodacki@hucff.ufrj.br
Milech
Adolpho
A
de Oliveira
José Egídio Paulo
JE
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D001323:Autoantibodies