[Classical and less known NK cells].
Natural killer (NK) cells represent an important component of the human body´s defense against viruses, bacteria and other intra-cellular pathogens as well as against tumor cells. NK cells are capable of very fast response without prior sensitization. They produce a wide range of cytokines and chemokines regulating both innate and acquired immune responses. Similar to excessive physical activity, stress can lead to a reduction in the numbers of NK cells, consequently increasing the susceptibility of the organism to viral, bacterial or parasitic diseases. Historically, NK cells were viewed as natural killers with relatively simply regulated functions. But new findings have shown that NK cells play roles in many processes and regulation of their functions in many infectious diseases represents a complex issue. This review presents new potential roles of NK cells in viral infections, autoimmunity and their specific functions in some organs.
Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Military Science, University of Defence, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, e-mail: vanda.bostikova@unob.cz.
Simona
S
Frydrychová
Vanda
V
Boštíková
Pavel
P
Boštík
D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology*