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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
The Potential Effect of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on NK Cells; A Perspective on Potential Therapeutic
1Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Abstract:
Coronavirus-induced disease-2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. While studies on SARS-CoV-2 effects on immune cell function continue to progress, we know very little about the significance of depletion of key immune effectors by the virus in the mortality and morbidity of the disease. This commentary outlines what is the reported literature thus far on the effect of virus on NK cells known to kill virally infected cells. It also underscores the necessity for the future comprehensive studies of NK cells in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and animal models to better understand the role and significance of reported NK cell depletion and functional inactivation in disease morbidity and mortality, in hope to design effective therapeutic interventions for the disease.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) significantly impacts natural killer (NK) cells, crucial for fighting viral infections. Further research is vital to understand NK cell depletion
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, leads to substantial global morbidity and mortality.
- The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on immune cell function is under investigation, but knowledge regarding key immune effector depletion remains limited.
- Natural killer (NK) cells are critical for eliminating virally infected cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on NK cells.
- To highlight the necessity for comprehensive studies on NK cell dynamics in COVID-19.
- To explore the role of NK cell depletion and functional inactivation in COVID-19 pathogenesis and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reported studies on SARS-CoV-2 and NK cell interactions.
- Analysis of current understanding of NK cell depletion and functional changes in COVID-19.
- Identification of knowledge gaps concerning NK cell involvement in disease severity.
Main Results:
- Existing literature suggests SARS-CoV-2 affects NK cell populations and function.
- Reported NK cell depletion and inactivation may correlate with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.
- A comprehensive understanding of these effects is currently lacking.
Conclusions:
- NK cells play a potentially significant role in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
- Further research is essential to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical significance of NK cell alterations in COVID-19.
- Understanding these dynamics could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
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