An Outline of the Natural Killer Cells and their Promising Functions
Rolf Kissling was the first to discover the natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, in 1975. These NK cells were primarily developed to fight against the various virus-infected cells and cancerous cells.
Compared to similar cells such as other lymphocytes, NK cells are known to have much more promising benefits and are also larger in size ranging between 5% and 15% of the entire lymphocytes.
To understand and learn about the functions and types of NK cells better, this article will highlight an in-depth overview of NK cells.
What are natural killer cells?
Natural killer (NK) cells refer to a bunch of lymphocyte cells that help to fight against different virus-infected cells and physiologically stressed cells such as tumor cells.
In general, receptors of NK cells can be divided into the following two groups:
- Activating receptors — Characterized by immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)
- Inhibitory receptors — Characterized by immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM)
The name natural killer was originatedfrom the point that NK cells have the potential to target cells without the requirement for any initial activation.
NK cells were originally thought to develop, especially in the bone marrow. However, recent studies show that NK cells can also mature and develop in the lymphoid tissues, such as the tonsils and spleen.
The presence of NK cells is not limited only to the aforementioned areas. They can also be present in the uterus, joints, kidney, breast, liver, skin, and gut under typical physiological conditions.
In the last few years, the global NK cell therapeutics market has been witnessing massive demand due to primary factors such as increasing clinical trials and rising prevalence and incidence of cancer cases.
According to the BIS Research report, the global NK cell therapeutics market is expected to touch $5,676.1 million in 2032 from a market value of $297.2 million in 2024. The market is supposed to grow with a CAGR of 44.59% during the forecast period 2024–2032.
Functions of Natural Killer Cells
- Viral Control
NK cells develop and acquire diverse groups of signaling and receptor molecules when these NK cells encounter viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), common viral infection (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Moreover, NK cells are also known to produce a massive amount of IFN-gamma. They have special properties that help the NK cells to remember the viral pathogen if the body comes across it again.
- Tumor Control
While meeting with cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells are known to be at the vanguard of anti-tumor immune reactions. Nk cells release cytolytic granules, which contain the proteins to opsonize the targeted cells through induction of nonselective transportation around the plasma membranes.
Moreover, the NK cells also secrete granules that have granzymes which trigger the apoptotic cascades inside the target cells. NK cells also control tumor growth by introducing the dead tumor cells through death cytokine secretion and receptor pathways.
- Homeostasis
Besides the function of NK cells in the tumor and viral control, they are also capable of balancing clearance, homeostatic functions, and tolerance.
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) allow NK cells to identify the self through binding HLA molecules.
During pregnancy, NK cells are partnered with M2 polarized macrophages. Also, these cells promote toleration during pregnancy, spiral artery development, and trophoblast invasion, helping both the child and mother in fighting against the infected cells.
The use of NK cells is constantly getting increased in different areas. According to Shruti Negi, Senior Research Analyst, BIS Research, “The global NK cell therapeutics market is an emerging market and is growing exponentially. To overcome the challenges associated with the high cost of immunotherapies, the focus of researchers and biopharmaceutical companies is now shifting toward cost-effective and safe NK cell therapeutics.”
Unique Characteristics of NK Cells
NK cells possess many unique characteristics. These include:
- They have unique texture receptors called killer inhibitory receptors and killer activation.
- They help in killing the infected cells by discharging granzymes. The granzymes and perforin are a type of proteolytic enzymes that can destroy the contents of the infected cells.
Final Thoughts
NK cells refer to the white blood cells that help in killing and detecting the infected cells due to different viruses. Currently, the use of NK cells is used for controlling tumor growth and virus and fighting against cancers. There are several areas where the NK cells can be used for providing protection against various diseases such as cancer.
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