Identification of natural killer cells in tissues and their isolation

摘要: Publisher Summary A set of cytotoxic lymphocytes was discovered in the peripheral blood (PB) rodents that differed several key ways from T lymphocyte (CTLs). These cells lacked cell surface markers cells. In addition, they were active even after isolation unimmunized animals lysing many different tumor lines. Because newly did not require specific immunization, termed ‘natural killer cells' (NK cells). Soon after, also PB humans, shared same characteristics murine NK described. Today, we know are large granular distinct B and cells, able to kill according a mechanism regulated by activating inhibiting receptors. They can detect loss major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules or presence olecules induced upon stress. This feature confers them potential role cancer immune surveillance control viral infections. The majority total human reside secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes (LNs) spleen. tissues specifically enriched CD56bright subsets seem precede terminal mature subset mainly found blood, is CD56dim. finding, association with discovery at this site presumed maturing intermediates, suggests primary sites where develop. Very limited studies have been performed, investigating distribution associated non-lymphoid compartments. Only little information available on localization throughout body, well regarding mechanisms governing their trafficking during pathologic situations.