Natural killer (NK) cells mature in both the bone marrow (BM) and secondary lymphoid tissues (SLTs).
Maturation Locations of NK Cells
According to the provided reference, NK cells don't just develop in a single location. Their development is a staged process that occurs in two primary areas:
- Bone Marrow (BM): This is where the initial stage of NK cell development occurs.
- Secondary Lymphoid Tissues (SLTs): These include locations like the tonsils, spleen, and lymph nodes. While the initial stages are in the BM, later stages can occur either in the BM or the SLTs.
Stages of NK Cell Development
The development of NK cells is a multi-stage process. The reference mentions six distinct stages:
| Stage | Location |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exclusively in the Bone Marrow (BM) |
| 2-6 | Can occur in either BM or Secondary Lymphoid Tissues (SLTs) |
Key Insight:
- This dual-location maturation process highlights the complexity of NK cell development.
Practical Note:
- Understanding the specific locations where NK cells mature is important for research aimed at manipulating the immune system.
