Natural Killer Cells: From Innate to Adaptive Features

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that provide critical host defense against pathogens and cancer. Originally heralded for their early and rapid effector activity, NK cells have been recognized over the last decade for their ability to undergo adaptive immune processes, including antigendriven clonal expansion and generation of long-lived memory. This review presents an overview of how NK cells lithely partake in both innate and adaptive responses and how this versatility is manifest in human NK cell-mediated immunity.

Automated summary

NK cells play a crucial role in host defense against pathogens and cancer, known for their early and rapid effector activity and ability to undergo adaptive immune processes. NK cells exhibit flexibility in both innate and adaptive responses, showcasing their versatility in human NK cell-mediated immunity.