Natural Killer Cells
Will
Cell Biology 241
3/19/12
Natural Killer Cells Despite their infuriated name, natural killer cells are literally a very important type of cell in the human body. Natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, are primarily a supportive type of cell which aids in protecting you from distinct infections and even cancer, as these cells target tumor cells.1 The natural killer cell plays a severe role in administering the innate and adaptive immune response to pathogens, injury, and stress. Natural killer cells acquired their name from the fact that they are propagated naturally by the body and their sole purpose is to search for and suppress destructive cells. When a destructive cell is detected, natural killer cells bind to the invader and produce a cytotoxic chemical.1 This chemical is called tumor is called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and it is indeed a type of chemotherapy drug.1 Once the TNF has been emanated, holes begin to develop in the membrane of the invading cell. Because of the holes, fluids slip in, ultimately resulting in the cell bursting. Although originally portrayed as primarily a lytic cell, the NK cell has transpired as a cell adequate of the helper function, expansion, contraction, and accelerated memory responses; features similar to other adaptive immune cells.1 These characteristics place the NK cell in a exclusive position, with a superior role in sculpting the host response to damage and injury. Natural killer cells comprise 5% to 20% of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and are acquired from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells.2 The precise physiologic sites where NK cells mature and the mechanisms that drive the development of their functional characteristics have not yet been utterly clarified but recent studies show that these occur in the bone marrow and the lymph nodes.2 Born to kill, these cells were thought to voyage straight from the bone marrow, where they are manufactured, to the blood, circulating there and
Cell Biology 241
3/19/12
Natural Killer Cells Despite their infuriated name, natural killer cells are literally a very important type of cell in the human body. Natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, are primarily a supportive type of cell which aids in protecting you from distinct infections and even cancer, as these cells target tumor cells.1 The natural killer cell plays a severe role in administering the innate and adaptive immune response to pathogens, injury, and stress. Natural killer cells acquired their name from the fact that they are propagated naturally by the body and their sole purpose is to search for and suppress destructive cells. When a destructive cell is detected, natural killer cells bind to the invader and produce a cytotoxic chemical.1 This chemical is called tumor is called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and it is indeed a type of chemotherapy drug.1 Once the TNF has been emanated, holes begin to develop in the membrane of the invading cell. Because of the holes, fluids slip in, ultimately resulting in the cell bursting. Although originally portrayed as primarily a lytic cell, the NK cell has transpired as a cell adequate of the helper function, expansion, contraction, and accelerated memory responses; features similar to other adaptive immune cells.1 These characteristics place the NK cell in a exclusive position, with a superior role in sculpting the host response to damage and injury. Natural killer cells comprise 5% to 20% of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and are acquired from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells.2 The precise physiologic sites where NK cells mature and the mechanisms that drive the development of their functional characteristics have not yet been utterly clarified but recent studies show that these occur in the bone marrow and the lymph nodes.2 Born to kill, these cells were thought to voyage straight from the bone marrow, where they are manufactured, to the blood, circulating there and
Cited: 1. Michael T. Lotze, Angus W. Thompson. Natural Killer Cells: Basic Science and Clinical Application. London: Academic, 2010. 678 p. 2. Duck Cho, M.D., Dario Campana, M.D. The Korean Journal of Laboratory Medicine: Expansion and Activation of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Korean J Lab Med.2009 April; 29(2): 89-96. 3. Campbell, Kery S., Colonna, M. Natural Killer Cell Protocols: Cellular and Molecular Methods. [Internet]. In methods in molecular biology; 121. Humana Press; 2000 [cited 2011 November 19]. Available from: http://libcat.jcsu.edu/search/X?SEARCH=natural+killer+cells Also available in paper copy from the publisher 4. Science Daily [Internet]. [cited 2011 November 19]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/02/040206075307.htm 5. Zamai Loris, Ponti Cristina. 2007. Natural Killer Cells and Cancer: The Journal of Immunology. The American Association of Immunologists, Inc., 178: 4011-4016. 6. Schleinitz, N., Vely, F., Harl, J.-R., Vivier, E. 2010. Natural Killer Cells in Human Autoimmune Diseases. Immunology, 131: 451-458. 7. JAneway, Charles A. 2001. Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th ed. New York: Garland Science. 928 p. 8. D.I. Campagnolo, R. Xiang, A. La Cava, L. Van Kaer, F.-D. Shi. Central Nervous System (CNS) – resident natural killer cells suppress Th17 responses and CNS autoimmune pathology. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2010; 207 (9). 9. SharedJourney [Internet]. Natural Killer Cells [cited 2011 November 19]. Available from: http://www.sharedjourney.com 10. [RCOG] Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2004. Fertility: Assessment and Treatment for People with Fertility Problems. London: RCOG Press. 363 p.