Whatever turns you on: accessory-cell-dependent activation of NK cells by pathogens

Nat Rev Immunol. 2007 Apr;7(4):279-91. doi: 10.1038/nri2057.

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells have a crucial role in combating infections and cancers and their surface receptors can directly recognize and respond to damaged, transformed or non-self cells. Whereas some virus-infected cells are recognized by this same route, NK-cell responses to many pathogens are triggered by a different mechanism. Activation of NK cells by these pathogens requires the presence of accessory cells such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Recent studies have identified numerous pathogen-recognition receptors that enable accessory cells to recognize different pathogens and subsequently transmit signals--both soluble and contact-dependent--to NK cells, which respond by upregulating their cytotoxic potential and the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic*
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Receptor Cross-Talk / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / immunology