Natural Killer (NK) Cells: What you need to know

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NK natural killer cells are considered a defense system that protects our body from tumors and other infections. NK cell activity is regulated by different receptors to cell surface molecules. This article will outline the roles of NK cells in the body and in different pathological conditions, the potential use of this cell's power and the current challenges in the application of cell therapy. NK.

1. What are natural killer cells?

Natural killer cell, also known as NK cell, is a white blood cell in the natural immune system, capable of rapidly reacting to virus-infected and differentiated cells. contains cells capable of forming cancer. Their function is to recognize and destroy virus-infected cells including newly born cells.
The adaptive immune system is composed of B cells and T cells. B cells play a major role in the humoral immune response, while T cells are mainly involved in immune-mediated responses. cell.
The innate immune system is composed of cells and proteins that play an important role in the initiation and subsequent activation of the adaptive immune system. Key components of the innate immune system are the physical epithelial barrier, phagocytic leukocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells.
NK cells are important components of the innate immune system, they are large, granular, bone marrow-derived lymphocytes. NK cells make up the third largest number of lymphocytes after B and T cells. They are also found in the peritoneal cavity, spleen, liver, lung, lymph nodes, thymus, and uterus during pregnancy. pregnant.

2. Developmental process of NK . cells

NK cells develop in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and liver. First, NK cell precursors were identified in a hematopoietic cell population, which differentiated into NK cells, but did not differentiate from the other lineage. The phenotype and function of the NK cells then evolve until, through homeostasis, the NK cells are marked as mature.
NK cells in secondary lymphoid tissue such as tonsils, lymph nodes, and spleen differ from NK cells in peripheral blood because they are activated by dendritic cells and secrete cytokines such as interferon, which stimulate the immune response. More effective killing response by stimulating cells.

3. The role of NK cells in health problems and diseases

NK cells have a variety of biological functions in recognizing and destroying virus-infected cells and newly produced cells. Therefore, NK cells have a certain role in immune regulation, also known as autologous immunotherapy.
NK cell function is controlled by a variety of receptors expressed on the cell surface. These receptors are either inhibitory or activated in nature. A specific NK cell typically expresses two to four inhibitory receptors. As different NK cells, which express different combinations of inhibitory or activating receptors, are markedly heterogeneous in the NK cell population. It is for this reason that NK cells have the ability to respond to a variety of stimuli and participate in immune responses under various pathological conditions.
Currently, the functions of NK cells in mammalian immunity are not fully understood. However, data from patients with rare disorders caused by NK cell deficiencies have demonstrated the effects of NK cells in the human immune system.
NK cells have the ability to produce and respond to inflammatory stimuli, which should play a large role in their ability to fight viruses and perform immunosurveillance of tumors. In addition, NK cells also contribute to antifungal immune function by directly disrupting protein membranes or promoting direct phagocytosis. NK cells can release granzymes that inactivate bacterial oxidation or mediate the destruction of bacteria.
However, the application of NK cells as immunotherapeutic agents requires certain technical developments. As NK cells need to be isolated and expanded in sufficient numbers for them to function as effector cells. Moreover, the activity of NK cells needs to be enhanced for better effect.
NK cells are the only cells that find cancer cells to destroy themselves. The method of using NK cells to destroy cancer cells is to activate NK cells to transfer into the body. As soon as cancer cells are detected, NK cells immediately produce perforin on the surface that melts the cancer cells, creates holes in the surface of the cancer cells, and then destroys them.
Currently, NK cells play an important role in the treatment of cancer, viral infections, including HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases and asthma. This is considered a new method in cancer treatment. However, we need more published clinical results on this cell before it can be widely applied.
If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

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Reference source: sciencedaily.com; NCBI

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