Dissecting CD56dim human NK cells

Abstract

NK cells are an important component of innate immunity. Their best-characterized function is the capability to kill virus-infected or tumor cells and to release proinflammatory cytokines.1,2 NK-cell function is primarily regulated by several activating and inhibitory receptors, some of which recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and play a fundamental role in the capability of NK cells to discriminate between normal and aberrant target cells.3-5.