Regulatory functions of NK cells during infections and cancer

ZWIRNER, NORBERTO W.; DOMAICA, CAROLINA I.; FUERTES, MERCEDES B.

JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY

FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL

Año: 2021 vol. 109 p. 185 - 194

0741-5400

After recognition, NK cells can kill susceptible target cells through perforin-dependent mechanisms or by inducing death receptor-mediated apoptosis, and they can also secrete cytokines that are pivotal for immunomodulation. Despite the critical role as effector cells against tumors and virus-infected cells, NK cells have been implicated in the regulation of T cell-mediated responses in different models of autoimmunity, transplantation, and viral infections. Here, we review the mechanisms described for NK cell-mediated inhibition of adaptive immune responses, with spotlight on the emerging evidence of their regulatory role that shapes antitumor immune responses.