Natural Killer Cell Memory

Immunity. 2015 Oct 20;43(4):634-45. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.09.013.

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells have historically been considered short-lived cytolytic cells that can rapidly respond against pathogens and tumors in an antigen-independent manner and then undergo cell death. Recently, however, NK cells have been shown to possess traits of adaptive immunity and can acquire immunological memory in a manner similar to that of T and B cells. In this review, we discuss evidence of NK cell memory and the mechanisms involved in the generation and survival of these innate lymphocytes.

Keywords: cytomegalovirus; immunological memory; natural killer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Apoptosis / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / immunology
  • Haptens / immunology
  • Homeodomain Proteins / immunology
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / classification
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / transplantation
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / classification
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Models, Immunological
  • Peyer's Patches / cytology
  • Peyer's Patches / immunology
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / immunology
  • Virus Diseases / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Cytokines
  • Haptens
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • RAG-1 protein