NK cells: New issues and challenges

Abstract

NK cells are innate lymphocytes crucial for surveillance against pathogens and tumors. Although the basic mechanisms through which NK cells operate have been established, many questions are still unresolved. Are all NK cells equal or can we identify subsets with distinct developmental origin and function? How do NK cells interact with other components of the immune system, such as DC, effector T cells, and Treg cells to elicit effective immune responses? How do NK cells become tolerant to self and preclude autoimmunity? Finally, can we design novel therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment based on NK cells? The editorial team of the European Journal of Immunology asked the opinion of some of the leading experts in the NK-cell field regarding the new challenges and opportunities facing this area of research and the thoughts of the experts are presented in this viewpoint series. This introduction to the series brings together some of the novel concepts emerging from the experts' discussions. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.