Non-cytotoxic protection by human NK cells in mucosal secondary lymphoid tissues.
Even though NK cells have been named for their spontaneous cytotoxicity, a large subpopulation of human NK cells primarily responds to activation with cytokine secretion and not killing. These CD56brightCD16(-) NK cells are abundant in secondary lymphoid tissues, can restrict pathogens that have breached mucosal barriers, and assist Th1 polarization during immune response priming. This exciting new aspect of NK-cell biology is discussed in this viewpoint.
Münz
Christian
C
Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland. munzc@rockefeller.edu
D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology*
D019002:CD56 Antigen; D007371:Interferon-gamma