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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:36
A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
Published on: January 9, 2018
Bone marrow versus thymic pathways of natural killer cell development.
James P Di Santo1, Christian A J Vosshenrich
1Unité des Cytokines et Développement Lymphoïde, Inserm U668, Immunology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. disanto@pasteur.fr
Immunological Reviews
|November 15, 2006
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cell development involves distinct pathways. Thymus-derived NK cells are exported to the periphery, suggesting unique roles and functional heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cell development is critical for immunotherapy.
- The bone marrow (BM) is the primary site for NK cell development.
- The exact origins and functions of diverse NK cell subsets remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental pathways of natural killer (NK) cells.
- To compare thymic NK cells with other peripheral NK cell subsets.
- To understand the heterogeneity in NK cell function.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of thymic and peripheral NK cell subsets in mice.
- Characterization of molecular markers and functional attributes.
- Investigation of NK cell export from the thymus.
Main Results:
- Thymic NK cells possess distinct molecular markers and functional properties.
- NK cells are actively exported from the thymus to the periphery.
- Evidence suggests heterogeneity in NK cell function based on developmental origin.
Conclusions:
- The thymus is a significant source of NK cells for the periphery.
- Distinct thymic and bone marrow developmental pathways contribute to NK cell functional heterogeneity.
- Understanding these pathways can inform therapeutic strategies.
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