Killers and beyond: NK-cell-mediated control of immune responses.
Effective immunity requires coordinated activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. NK cells are principal mediators of innate immunity, able to respond to challenge quickly and generally without prior activation. The most acknowledged functions of NK cells are their cytotoxic potential and their ability to release large amounts of cytokines, especially IFN-gamma. Recently, it has become clear that NK cells are more than assassins. Indeed, NK cells play critical roles in shaping adaptive immunity.
Andoniou
Christopher E
CE
The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.
Coudert
Jérôme D
JD
Degli-Esposti
Mariapia A
MA
D000818:Animals; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma