Abstract
For over four decades, our understanding of natural killer (NK) cells has evolved from the original description of cluster of differentiation (CD)56+CD3− to establishing NK cells as an important subset of innate lymphocytes in the host’s surveillance against viral infections and malignancy. The progress of research on the fundamental properties and therapeutic prospects for translational medicine using NK cells excites immunologists and clinicians. Over the past decade, numerous advances in “-omics”-scale methods and new technological approaches have addressed many essential questions in the biology of NK cells. We now have further understanding of the overall molecular mechanisms of action that determine the development, function, plasticity, diversity, and immune reactivity of NK cells. These findings are summarized here, and our view on how to study NK cells using “multi-omics” is highlighted. We also describe “-omics” analyses of the relationships between NK cells and viral infection, tumorigenesis, and autoimmune diseases. Ultimately, a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of NK cells in multiple conditions will provide more effective strategies to manipulate NK cells for the treatment of human disease.
Highlights
As early as 1975, in some experiments carried out in vitro, a phenomenon was noticed: some lymphocytes of an undefined type from the normal mouse spleen selectively fought against Moloney leukemia cells spontaneously [1]
Reviewing the timeline of studies of natural killer (NK) cells, breakthroughs have been in parallel with advances in “-omics” technology
“Omics” technology can provide an overwhelming amount of information in one experiment
Summary
As early as 1975, in some experiments carried out in vitro, a phenomenon was noticed: some lymphocytes of an undefined type from the normal mouse spleen selectively fought against Moloney leukemia cells spontaneously [1]. Developments in “-omics”-scale technology, such as analyses of gene expression as well as quantification of proteins and metabolites, have enriched our understanding of the complex biologic processes of NK cells This understanding includes their phylogeny, Omics Technologies in NK Cell Study developmental programs, plasticity, and immune reactivity for controlling viral infections and malignancy at the molecular level. We highlight the “-omics”-scale data that have assisted research of NK cells (Figure 1), including methods that examine their phenotypes, transcriptional signatures, and effector functions in various biologic processes or niches This approach can help to constantly update the “road map” of gene expression that forms a more comprehensive regulation network and provides new strategies to manipulate NK cells for the treatment of human disease.
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