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Updated: May 28, 2026

Generation of Natural Killer Cells from Human Expanded Potential Stem Cells
Published on: January 13, 2023
Cutting edge: Natural helper cells derive from lymphoid progenitors
Qi Yang1, Steven A Saenz, Daniel A Zlotoff
1Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Natural helper (NH) cells, innate immune cells, originate from bone marrow lymphoid progenitors. This discovery expands the known lymphocyte family, including NH cells as a new type of innate lymphocyte.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Natural helper (NH) cells are newly identified innate immune cells.
- NH cells play roles in type 2 immunity against helminths and airway hypersensitivity in influenza.
- The developmental origins (ontogeny) of NH cells remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental origin of Natural helper (NH) cells.
- To determine the progenitor populations that give rise to NH cells.
- To characterize the lineage commitment of NH cells within the immune system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized RAG-1Cre/ROSA26(YFP) reporter mice to trace cell lineage.
- Analyzed the dependence of NH cell development on the Flt3 cytokine receptor.
- Compared the differentiation potential of lymphoid progenitors versus myeloid-erythroid progenitors in vivo.
Main Results:
- NH cells exhibit a history of RAG-1 expression, indicating a lymphoid developmental origin.
- Flt3 signaling is crucial for the efficient generation of bone marrow lymphoid progenitors.
- In vivo studies confirmed that lymphoid progenitors, not myeloid-erythroid progenitors, generate NH cells.
Conclusions:
- Natural helper (NH) cells are a distinct type of innate lymphocyte.
- NH cells arise from bone marrow lymphoid progenitors.
- This study expands the lymphocyte family to include NH cells, highlighting their innate immune function and lymphoid lineage.
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