Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of natural killer (NK) cells. Mature peripheral NK cells are defined as a discrete lymphocyte subset expressing a characteristic combination of clusters of differentiation antigens (CD), among which CD161, CD16, and CD56 in humans, are most characteristic in the absence of expression and gene rearrangement for T and B antigen (Ag)-specific receptors. NK cells mediate effector functions as a first line of defense in nonadaptive responses against virus-, intracellular bacteria-, and parasite-infected cells, especially those expressing low MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class I molecule levels, primarily via cytotoxicity. However, they also regulate and modulate hematopoietic cell biology and the activity of other effector cells of the innate and adaptive systems of defense via cytokine production. NK cell role in immune responses is discussed in the chapter. The basics of terminal NK cell development in the periphery are described. Role of NK cells in pathologic conditions is explained. Usefulness of tests analyzing NK cells in pathological conditions is also described.
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