1521-4141/asset/2040_left.gif?v=1&s=92837c2f17424f89abf3f45e2642c107d62e6c04)
1521-4141/asset/EJI_right.gif?v=1&s=bce6d64154702bbe279104b1163baee31019fb77)
Viewpoints on NK cells
Functionally distinct NK-cell subsets: Developmental origins and biological implications
Article first published online: 31 OCT 2008
DOI: 10.1002/eji.200838830
Copyright © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Additional Information
How to Cite
Di Santo, J. P. (2008), Functionally distinct NK-cell subsets: Developmental origins and biological implications. Eur. J. Immunol., 38: 2948–2951. doi: 10.1002/eji.200838830
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 NOV 2008
- Article first published online: 31 OCT 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 26 AUG 2008
- Manuscript Revised: 22 AUG 2008
- Manuscript Received: 15 AUG 2008
Funded by
- Institut Pasteur
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm)
- Ligue National contre le Cancer (Equipe Labelisé)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Cytokines;
- Cytotoxicity;
- Differentiation
Abstract
NK cells were initially identified based on their capacity to destroy susceptible target cells via granule-mediated cytotoxicity. Subsequently, NK-cell cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF-α) was shown to be critical in restricting pathogen infection, defining a non-cytotoxic role for NK cells in host defense. Recently, specialized NK-cell subsets with biased effector functions have been described in mice and man. This overview will consider the developmental origins and biological implications of this NK-cell diversification.