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Updated: May 29, 2026

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
Published on: February 22, 2020
Natural killer cell receptor-expressing innate lymphocytes: more than just NK cells
Arthur Mortha1, Andreas Diefenbach
1IMMH, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Recently, additional subsets that extend the family of innate lymphocytes have been discovered. Among these newly identified innate lymphoid cells is a subset sharing phenotypic characteristics of natural killer cells and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. These cells co-express the transcription factor RORγt and activating NK cell receptors (NKR), but their lineage and functional qualities remain poorly defined. Here, we discuss recent proposals to place these NKR(+)RORγt(+) innate lymphocytes on hematopoietic lineage maps. An overview of the transcriptional circuitry determining fate decisions of innate lymphocytes and a summary of current concepts concerning plasticity and stability of innate lymphocyte effector fates are provided. We will conclude by discussing the function of RORγt-expressing innate lymphocytes during inflammatory bowel diseases and in the immune response to tumors.
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