NK Cell and Receptor Antibodies
Natural killer (NK) cells are a subset of cytotoxic lymphocyte that function predominantly in the innate immune response They were named “natural killers” because of the initial notion that they did not require activation in order to form their cytotoxic functions. NK cells play a major role in the rejection of cells lacking the “self” markers of MHC Class I, particularly tumor cells and virus-infected cells. These cells kill by releasing small cytoplasmic granules of proteins containing perforin and granzyme that cause the formation of pores in the plasma membrane of the target cell leading it to die by apoptosis.
NK cells are activated by cytokines, the Fc receptor, and the interplay between various stimulatory and inhibitory receptors on their cell surface. While NK cells express cell surface molecules that are also found on B cells, they are morphologically and functionally more similar to T cells.
Key NK Cell Markers
Traditionally, human NK cells are identified by the expression of CD16 and CD56 and mouse NK cells by the NK1.1 marker (designated as CD161). However, additional markers are now available such as the CD94:NKG2 heterodimer in mice, members of the KIR/CD158 family in humans, and CD335 for both.
Mouse NK Markers |
Human NK Markers |
