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Viewpoints on NK cells
Non-cytotoxic protection by human NK cells in mucosal secondary lymphoid tissues
Article first published online: 31 OCT 2008
DOI: 10.1002/eji.200838849
Copyright © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Additional Information
How to Cite
Münz, C. (2008), Non-cytotoxic protection by human NK cells in mucosal secondary lymphoid tissues. Eur. J. Immunol., 38: 2946–2948. doi: 10.1002/eji.200838849
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 NOV 2008
- Article first published online: 31 OCT 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 27 AUG 2008
- Manuscript Received: 25 AUG 2008
Funded by
- Dana Foundation's Neuroimmunology program
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
- Alexandrine and Alexander Sinsheimer Foundation
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund
- Starr Foundation
- National Cancer Institute. Grant Numbers: R01CA108609, R01CA101741
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Grant Number: RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIDS-BAA-06-19
- Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (Grand Challenges in Global Health)
- Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award (to the Rockefeller University Hospital)
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Cytokine secretion;
- T-cell polarization;
- Tonsil
Abstract
Even though NK cells have been named for their spontaneous cytotoxicity, a large subpopulation of human NK cells primarily responds to activation with cytokine secretion and not killing. These CD56brightCD16− NK cells are abundant in secondary lymphoid tissues, can restrict pathogens that have breached mucosal barriers, and assist Th1 polarization during immune response priming. This exciting new aspect of NK-cell biology is discussed in this viewpoint.