Control of human viral infections by natural killer cells

S Jost, M Altfeld - Annual review of immunology, 2013 - annualreviews.org
S Jost, M Altfeld
Annual review of immunology, 2013annualreviews.org
Natural killer (NK) cells are effector cells of the innate immune system and are important in
the control of viral infections. Their relevance is reflected by the multiple mechanisms
evolved by viruses to evade NK cell–mediated immune responses. Over recent years, our
understanding of the interplay between NK cell immunity and viral pathogenesis has
improved significantly. Here, we review the role of NK cells in the control of four important
viral infections in humans: cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, HIV-1, and hepatitis C virus.
Natural killer (NK) cells are effector cells of the innate immune system and are important in the control of viral infections. Their relevance is reflected by the multiple mechanisms evolved by viruses to evade NK cell–mediated immune responses. Over recent years, our understanding of the interplay between NK cell immunity and viral pathogenesis has improved significantly. Here, we review the role of NK cells in the control of four important viral infections in humans: cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, HIV-1, and hepatitis C virus.
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