Review abstract
Nature Immunology 9, 503 - 510 (2008)
Published online: 18 April 2008 | doi:10.1038/ni1582
Functions of natural killer cells
Eric Vivier1,2,3,4, Elena Tomasello1,2,3, Myriam Baratin1,2,3, Thierry Walzer1,2,3 & Sophie Ugolini1,2,3
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage. Recent research highlights the fact that NK cells are also regulatory cells engaged in reciprocal interactions with dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and endothelial cells. NK cells can thus limit or exacerbate immune responses. Although NK cells might appear to be redundant in several conditions of immune challenge in humans, NK cell manipulation seems to hold promise in efforts to improve hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, promote antitumor immunotherapy and control inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université de la Méditerranée, case 906, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France.
- INSERM, U631, case 906, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR6102, case 906, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France.
- Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, 147 boulevard Baille 13385 Marseille France.
Correspondence to: Eric Vivier1,2,3,4 e-mail: vivier@ciml.univ-mrs.fr
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