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Memory responses of natural killer cells
1Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, United States.
Seminars in Immunology
|September 3, 2017
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells exhibit adaptive immunity features, developing antigen-specific or antigen-independent memory. This review explores the conditions and mechanisms driving these memory NK cell types.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are traditionally viewed as innate immune cells.
- Recent findings reveal NK cells possess adaptive immunity traits like memory and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the conditions promoting the generation of memory NK cells.
- To discuss the mechanistic requirements for memory NK cell development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological studies on NK cell memory.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying antigen-specific and antigen-independent NK cell memory.
Main Results:
- NK cell memory is categorized into antigen-specific and antigen-independent types.
- Antigen-specific memory arises from viral or hapten exposure.
- Antigen-independent memory results from cytokine milieu imprinting.
Conclusions:
- NK cells demonstrate multifaceted memory capabilities beyond innate immunity.
- Understanding these memory pathways is crucial for immune response modulation.
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