Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Natural Killer Cells

Stephen L. Nutt, Nicholas D. Huntington

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Otherpeer-review

Abstract

Cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are two distinct lineages of immune cells that play important roles in the control of infection and in the detection and removal of cancerous cells. Although the approaches by which CTLs and NK cells kill their target cells and modulate the immune response are quite similar, the mechanisms by which they recognize their targets are distinct. CTLs through their diverse repertoire of clonally rearranged T-cell receptors (TCRs) detect specific peptide–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I complexes and are a component of the adaptive immune response. In contrast, NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that use an array of invariant activating and inhibitory receptors to control their activity and specificity. These distinct approaches of target recognition allow for complementary functions, with CTLs being specialized in detecting cancer cells or those infected with intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, whereas a prominent function of NK cells is to eliminate those cells where the pathogen or oncogene has blocked display of MHC class I molecules on the surface of the affected cell. This chapter introduces the biology and functions of the cytotoxic lineages, CTLs, and NK cells in the immune response to infection and malignancy.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationClinical Immunology
Subtitle of host publicationPrinciples and Practice
EditorsRobert R. Rich, Thomas A. Fleisher, William T. Shearer, Harry W. Schroeder, Anthony J. Frew, Cornelia M. Weyand
Place of PublicationSweden
PublisherElsevier
Chapter17
Pages247-259
Number of pages13
Edition5th
ISBN (Print)9780702068966
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
  • Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Natural Killer Cells

    Nutt, S. L. & Huntington, N. D., 2023, Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice. Rich, R. R., Fleisher, T. A., Schroeder, H. W., Weyand, C. M., Corry, D. B. & Puck, J. M. (eds.). 6th ed. Elsevier, p. 162-174 13 p.

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Otherpeer-review

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