The Role of NK Cells and Their Exosomes in Graft Versus Host Disease and Graft Versus Leukemia

Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the innate immune cells that play an important role in preventing and controlling tumors and viral diseases, but their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is not yet fully understood. However, according to some research, these cells can prevent infections and tumor relapse without causing graft versus host disease (GVHD). In addition to NK cells, several studies are about the anti-leukemia effects of NK cell-derived exosomes that can highlight their roles in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL). In this paper, we intend to investigate the results of various articles on the role of NK cells in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and also their exosomes in GVL. Also, we have discussed the antiviral effects of these cells in post-HCT cytomegalovirus infection.

Automated summary

NK cells play an important role in preventing and controlling tumors and viral diseases, but their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is not fully understood. Some research suggests that NK cells can prevent infections and tumor relapse without causing graft versus host disease. NK cell-derived exosomes also have anti-leukemia effects in graft-versus-leukemia. Furthermore, NK cells have antiviral effects in post-HCT cytomegalovirus infection.