Functionally distinct NK-cell subsets: developmental origins and biological implications.
NK cells were initially identified based on their capacity to destroy susceptible target cells via granule-mediated cytotoxicity. Subsequently, NK-cell cytokine production (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) was shown to be critical in restricting pathogen infection, defining a non-cytotoxic role for NK cells in host defense. Recently, specialized NK-cell subsets with biased effector functions have been described in mice and man. This overview will consider the developmental origins and biological implications of this NK-cell diversification.
Di Santo
James P
JP
Immunology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. disanto@pasteur.fr
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology*; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice