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Natural killer cell effector functions in antiviral defense
Author(s) -
Piersma Sytse J.,
Brizić Ilija
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.16073
Subject(s) - biology , effector , innate lymphoid cell , lymphokine activated killer cell , context (archaeology) , interferon , immunology , interleukin 12 , natural killer cell , interleukin 21 , innate immune system , receptor , virology , microbiology and biotechnology , immune system , cytotoxicity , t cell , cytotoxic t cell , in vitro , paleontology , biochemistry
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the control of tumors and viral infections. They provide protection by producing cytokines and by directly lysing target cells. Both effector mechanisms have been identified to contribute to viral control, depending on the context of infection. Activation of NK cells depends on the integration of signals received by cytokine receptors and activation and inhibitory receptors recognizing ligands expressed by virus‐infected cells. While the control of viral infections by NK cells is well established, the signals perceived by NK cells and how these signals integrate to mediate optimal viral control have been focus of ongoing research. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on NK cell activation and integration of signals that lead to interferon gamma production and cytotoxicity in viral infections. We review NK cell interactions with viruses, with particular focus on murine cytomegalovirus studies, which helped elucidate crucial aspects of antiviral NK cell immunity.