Natural killer cells and cancer.

摘要: Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that were first identified for their ability to kill tumor without deliberate immunization or activation. Subsequently, they also found be able infected with certain viruses and attack preferentially lack expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens. The recent discovery novel NK receptors ligands has uncovered the molecular mechanisms regulate activation function. Several activating cell costimulatory molecules have been permit these recognize tumors virus-infected cells. These modulated by inhibitory sense levels MHC on prospective target prevent unwanted destruction healthy tissues. In vitro in vivo, cytotoxic can enhanced cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-15 interferon alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta). animal studies, shown play a critical role control growth metastasis provide innate immunity against infection viruses. Following activation, release cytokines chemokines induce inflammatory responses; modulate monocyte, dendritic cells, granulocyte differentiation; influence subsequent adaptive immune responses. underlining mechanism discriminating normal provided new insights into immunosurveillance suggested strategies treatment human cancer.