Natural killer cells (NK cells)

Phenotypic markers:

CD49b / Integrin alfa 2+, NK1.1+ (mice), NKp46+, CD56 (Neural cell adhesion molecule)+, CD3-, CD16 (FcγRIII)+

Location: Blood, Lymphoid Tissues / Lymphatic System

Transcription factors:

Eomesodermin (Eomes)

Stimuli:

Interleukin-12, Interleukin-15, Interleukin-18
NK cell activating factors = IFN-alfa + IL-18
Wong et al., 2011

Signature cytokines:

IFN gamma, [Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa (TNF-alfa)], Granzyme A, Granzyme B, Perforin / Perforin-1
Ng & Belz 2023 Trends in Cancer 9(2): 158-171

NK cells can lyse target cells in a cell-contact-dependent manner through the release of Perforin / Perforin-1 and granzymes
Ganal-Vonarburg & Duerr 2021 Immunology 159: 39-51

NK cells enhance efficacy of DCs in inducing tumor-specific CD8/CTL
Wong et al., 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells share a common progenitor with ILC and exhibit a lymphoid phenotype without antigen specificity.
Clottu et al. 2022 Front. Immunol. 12: 789788

NK cells distinguish stressed cells: Cells that Have Undergone Physical or Chemical Injuries and Infected cells
Vivier et al. 2012

see also:
Common Lymphoid Progenitor Cells / Lymphopoiesis (CLPS)
Granzymes & Natural killer cells (NK cells)
Natural killer cells (NK cells) & Perforin