Abstract
There is growing evidence that Natural Killer (NK) cells exhibit in vitro activity against both Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. Cytotoxic molecules such as NK cell-derived perforin seem to play an important role in the antifungal activity. In addition, NK cells release a number of cytokines upon stimulation by fungi, which modulate both innate and adaptive host immune responses. Whereas the in vitro data of the antifungal activity of NK cells are supported by animal studies, clinical data are scarce to date.
Highlights
IntroductionNatural Killer (NK) cells are defined as CD56+ CD3− lymphocytes and comprise approximately
Natural Killer (NK) cells are defined as CD56+ CD3− lymphocytes and comprise approximately10% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells [1,2]
NK cells have recently been assigned to the group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are characterized by the production of interferon (IFN)-γ, but not of type 2 cytokines [4]
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are defined as CD56+ CD3− lymphocytes and comprise approximately. NK cells mediate the direct killing of their targets by molecules such as perforin or granzyme B, and by death receptor-mediated apoptosis [10] In this respect, NK cells are able to kill tumor cells, and pathogens such as bacteria or parasites [11,12]. NK cells are able to kill tumor cells, and pathogens such as bacteria or parasites [11,12] Beside their direct killing ability, NK cells produce a number of different chemokines, cytokines and interferons such as tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-α), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or RANTES ((Regulated upon Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted; chemokine ligand 5; CCL5), which they use to regulate the activity of different cell types such as neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells, and modify the immune response of the host [13,14]. A better understanding of the interaction of NK cells and molds might help to develop new strategies in antifungal prophylaxis or therapy, such as to strengthen the immune system of an immunocompromised host or to adoptively transfer NK cells to combat infection
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