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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
Published on: January 9, 2018
Immunometabolism and natural killer cell responses
Katie L O'Brien1, David K Finlay2,3
1School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes with important roles in innate and adaptive immune responses to tumours and viral infection. However, in certain chronic diseases, including obesity and cancer, NK cell functional responses are impaired. Recently, research has highlighted the importance of NK cell metabolism in facilitating robust NK cell effector functions. This Review describes our current understanding of mouse and human NK cell metabolism and the key signalling pathways that mediate metabolic responses in NK cells. Furthermore, it explores how defects in metabolism can contribute to the generation of dysfunctional NK cells in chronic disease. Finally, the potential for new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular metabolism is discussed.
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