Related Experiment Videos
NK cells and T cells: mirror images?
1Dept of Human Genetics, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Immunology Today
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells are educated to recognize self MHC class I molecules, preventing cell lysis. This study explores NK cell education and proposes T cells evolved from NK cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- MHC class I molecules on cells prevent lysis by natural killer (NK) cells.
- NK cells may be educated to recognize self MHC class I molecules.
- Self peptide and MHC class I combination can block NK-mediated lysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare and contrast education and self-nonself discrimination models in T cells and NK cells.
- Present a hypothesis for the evolutionary origin of T cells from NK cells.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of T cell and NK cell education models.
- Review of existing literature on immune self-recognition.
Main Results:
- NK cell education models suggest recognition of self MHC class I is crucial for immune tolerance.
- T cell and NK cell education share common principles but differ in specific mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- NK cell education is a fundamental mechanism for self-tolerance.
- A hypothesis is presented for the evolution of T cells, originating from NK cell precursors.