A major function of natural killer (NK) cells is to kill virally infected cells and detect and control early signs of cancer.
NK cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. They provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells and tumor formation, acting at around 3 days after infection. Unlike T cells, NK cells do not require prior sensitization to an antigen to initiate their cytotoxic activity.
Key Functions of Natural Killer Cells:
-
Killing Virally Infected Cells: NK cells recognize and eliminate cells infected with viruses. They do this by detecting changes on the cell surface indicative of viral infection.
-
Detecting and Controlling Early Signs of Cancer: NK cells play a vital role in immune surveillance by identifying and destroying cancerous or precancerous cells. This helps prevent tumor development and progression.
-
Cytokine Production: NK cells release cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which activate other immune cells and enhance the overall immune response.
-
Role in Pregnancy: Specialized NK cells in the placenta contribute to successful pregnancy by supporting blood vessel remodeling.
In summary, NK cells are critical components of the innate immune system, primarily responsible for eliminating virally infected cells and identifying and controlling early signs of cancer, alongside other important functions.
