Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
[The impairments of natural killer cell activity and interferon response in advanced malignant disease]
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are a distinct subpopulation of lymphocytes with specific functional and phenotypic features, responsible for non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and restricted cytotoxic function without previous sensitization. The control of primary tumor growth and its hematogenous spreading is one of the most important functions of NK cells. Defect of NK cell activity present in malignancy correlates with clinical stage and progression of the disease. In patients with localized or undisseminated malignancies NK cell activity can be normal or even enhanced, while in most of the patients with widely disseminated tumors base-line NK cell function is markedly impaired. In patients with advanced malignant disease NK cell response to interferon (IFN) is impaired, without abnormalities of IFN production. The reason could be the inactivation of stimulators already present in plasma or direct toxic impairment of NK cells, either during the maturation of NK cell progenitors or/and during the activation of the existing NK cell effectors.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Tumor Immunotherapy

