Natural Killer Cells and the Syndrome of Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells provide anti-infectious, anti-neoplastic, and immunomodulatory function effected by both cytokine production and direct cellular cytotoxicity that is not major histocompatibility complex-restricted. NK cells lack truly specific cell surface determinants as well as antigen-specific receptors. Recent information suggests a variety of receptor-ligand interactions that underlie recognition and treatment of target cells by NK cells. Primary NK cell disorders in humans are currently classified into NK cell lymphomas and chronic NK cell lymphocytosis (CNKL). In this review, we summarize current understanding of the biology of NK cells and describe the clinical manifestations of CNKL.

Key Words:

• natural killer cells
• lymphocytosis
• innate immune response
• lymphoproliferative disorders