REVIEW

Cell Research (2006)16:20-24
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Cytokines as critical co-stimulatory molecules in modulating the immune response of natural killer cells

Howard A Young¹, John Ortaldo¹

¹Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA

Correspondence: Howard A Young Tel: 301-846-5700; Fax: 301-846-1673; E-mail: youngh@ncifcrf.gov

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Abstract

Cytokines are involved in directing the activation of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are involved in the recognition of cells that have been altered; thus they do not recognize specific insults to the host, but when activated, are capable of destroying infected cells directly, as well as promoting the recruitment and response of the other components of the immune system by the release of cytokines and chemokines. It is these properties that have made NK cells a critical part of innate immunity and adaptive immunity, and they play a principal role linking innate and adaptive immunity by the recruitment of an adaptive immune response to an innate immune reaction.

Cell Research (2006) 16:20-24. doi:10.1038/sj.cr.7310004; published online 16 January 2006

Keywords: NK cells, cytokines, IL-12, IL-18, IFNg, innate immune response, synergy