[Research progress of lung natural killer cells and their roles in pulmonary diseases]

Lung natural killer (NK) cells can be classified into tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells and conventional NK (cNK) cells. Both trNK and cNK are composed of multiple subsets with unique phenotypes and functional characteristics. However, the phenotypic and functional differences between the two captured less attention. The features of trNK and cNK in the development, phenotypes and functions are sorted, and the interactions between NK cells and other immune cells in the lung are presented. Moreover, the latest research progress of lung NK cells in lung infections, tumors, transplantation, asthma and other diseases is particularly highlighted. It suggests that trNK cells may play a significant role, although lung NK cells are mainly composed of cNK. Further investigations of lung trNK and cNK cells will provide new insights into NK cell-based disease research.