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Related Concept Videos

Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
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...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
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...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
06:55

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells

Published on: February 22, 2020

How melanoma cells inactivate NK cells.

Gabriella Pietra1, Massimo Vitale, Lorenzo Moretta

  • 1Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova, Italy.

Oncoimmunology
|November 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Natural killer (NK) cells show potent anti-tumor activity in lab studies. However, tumors, including melanomas, can suppress NK cell function in the body, limiting their effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial immune cells with potent anti-tumor capabilities in vitro.
  • Tumor microenvironments often employ suppressive mechanisms that impair NK cell activity in vivo.
  • Melanoma, a significant skin cancer, is known to evade immune surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which melanomas inhibit NK cell function.
  • To identify strategies for overcoming melanoma-induced NK cell suppression.
  • To enhance the therapeutic potential of NK cells in melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of molecular interactions between melanoma cells and NK cells.
  • In vitro co-culture systems to model the tumor-NK cell interplay.

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Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
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Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

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Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
08:17

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions

Published on: October 30, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
06:55

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells

Published on: February 22, 2020

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
09:15

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

Published on: February 24, 2023

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
08:17

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions

Published on: October 30, 2016

  • Assessment of NK cell cytotoxic activity and signaling pathways.

    • Main Results:

    • Melanoma cells utilize specific molecular signals to disarm NK cells.
    • Identification of key inhibitory pathways involved in NK cell dysfunction.
    • Preliminary evidence suggesting potential targets for intervention.

    Conclusions:

    • Melanoma employs sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell-mediated immunity.
    • Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing effective immunotherapies.
    • Targeting melanoma-induced suppression could restore NK cell anti-tumor functions.