The 'T-cell-ness' of NK cells: unexpected similarities between NK cells and T cells

Int Immunol. 2011 Jul;23(7):427-31. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxr035. Epub 2011 Jun 10.

Abstract

NK cells are considered as prototypical innate immune cells. However, recent discoveries have tended to refine the dogmatic concepts of innate and adaptive immunity. In many ways, NK cells are highly related to T cells and represent the closest innate immune cell lineage to adaptive immune cell populations. Here, we review the relationships between NK cells and T cells and discuss the recently described cell-intrinsic-adaptive features of NK cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I