Natural killer (NK) cells perform two critical functions for survival.
Two Key Functions of Natural Killer (NK) Cells
NK cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. Their primary functions are:
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Fighting Invading Cells: NK cells detect and eliminate infected or cancerous cells. They do this without prior sensitization, unlike T cells, making them crucial for early immune responses. This surveillance function is vital for controlling viral infections and preventing tumor development.
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Regulating Blood Supply During Pregnancy: NK cells play a role in regulating blood vessel development in the uterus during early pregnancy. These uterine NK (uNK) cells promote the growth of blood vessels that supply the developing fetus with nutrients and oxygen. This process is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Both of these functions rely on a complex interplay of activating and inhibitory receptors on the NK cell surface. These receptors interact with ligands on target cells, and the balance of these signals determines whether the NK cell will kill the target cell or not.
