Natural killer cells (also known as NK cells) are a kind of lymphocyte that constitutes a large part of the immune system. NK cells perform a vital role in the rejection of malignant cells and viruses infected by bacteria. The cells play a major role in cancer treatment. In May 2021, the U.S. FDA cleared an investigational new drug application for NKX019, a chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies.
NK cells recognize and kill a virus-infected cell because of the viral antigen on its surface. These cells also kill by releasing large cytoplasmic globular granules of protein. Natural killer cells can be either T cells or B cells. T cells are another name for Killer-T cells. Cytotoxic lymphocytes are part of a person's innate immune system and attack any cell which they detect to be a pathogen.
Natural killer cells also perform a role in immunity disorders such as allergies, asthma, sinusitis, arthritis, and other immune disorders. They can also help to protect against cancer and auto-immune diseases. Natural killer cells are produced by the body's immune system and can be found throughout the body. There are two types of natural killer cells, are the NK cells and the in cells. Natural killer cells can be activated by a variety of stimuli, including some kinds of food.
Natural killer cells can be activated by some chemicals such as nicotine, drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and some other chemicals. Cytotoxicity can also be caused by some natural infections and exposure to radiation. Cytotoxicity is a complex process and triggers the immune response when there is too much immune activity or when the immune response is defective.
The role of natural killer cells in immunity disorders has been established through the use of natural products with a combination of bio-active ingredients. These natural products are inhibitory to cell receptors and can stimulate natural killer cells through their actions on the promoters of cell growth. Such actions include inhibition of transcription factors and signal transduction pathways. The interaction between inhibitors could be similar to that of a drug used to stimulate or inhibit the growth or survival of a microorganism. The inhibition of the promoters of cell growth leads to decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL) -6 protein production and thus the growth and spread of cancer cells.
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