NK Cells in Autoimmune Diseases: Protective or Pathogenic?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Autoimmunity

Background:

• Autoimmune diseases arise from a loss of self-tolerance, leading to immune system attacks on the body's own tissues.
• Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to autoimmunity, with increasing evidence highlighting the role of innate immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of natural killer (NK) cell subsets in autoimmune diseases.
• To explore the clinical potential of NK cells as therapeutic targets in autoimmunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on NK cells in autoimmune diseases.
• Analysis of NK cell subsets' functions in various autoimmune conditions.

Main Results:

• NK cells exhibit dual roles (protective and pathogenic) in autoimmunity, influenced by subset, microenvironment, and disease context.
• NK cells are implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, and autoimmune liver disease.

Conclusions:

• NK cell subsets have diverse functions in both organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases.
• Targeting NK cells offers potential therapeutic strategies for managing autoimmune disorders.