Development and maturation of natural killer cells Journal Article


Authors: Geiger, T. L.; Sun, J. C.
Article Title: Development and maturation of natural killer cells
Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that are critical for host protection against pathogens and cancer due to their ability to rapidly release inflammatory cytokines and kill infected or transformed cells. In the 40 years since their initial discovery, much has been learned about how this important cellular lineage develops and functions. We now know that NK cells are the founding members of an expanded family of lymphocyte known as innate lymphoid cells (ILC). Furthermore, we have recently discovered that NK cells can possess features of adaptive immunity such as antigen specificity and long-lived memory responses. Here we will review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving development of NK cells from the common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) to mature NK cells, and from activated effectors to long-lived memory NK cells. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
Journal Title: Current Opinion in Immunology
Volume: 39
ISSN: 0952-7915
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2016-04-01
Start Page: 82
End Page: 89
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.01.007
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 26845614
PMCID: PMC4801705
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 3 March 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Joseph C Sun
    131 Sun
  2. Theresa Lynn Geiger
    7 Geiger