NK cells in central nervous system disorders

Aurélie Poli, Justyna Kmiecik, Olivia Domingues, François Hentges, Mathieu Bléry, Martha Chekenya, José Boucraut, Jacques Zimmer*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

    93 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    NK cells are important players in immunity against pathogens and neoplasms. As a component of the innate immune system, they are one of the first effectors on sites of inflammation. Through their cytokine production capacities, NK cells participate in the development of a potent adaptive immune response. Furthermore, NK cells were found to have regulatory functions to limit and prevent autoimmunity via killing of autologous immune cells. These paradoxical functions of NK cells are reflected in CNS disorders. In this review, we discuss the phenotypes and functional features of peripheral and brain NK cells in brain tumors and infections, neurodegenerative diseases, acute vascular and traumatic damage, as well as mental disorders. We also discuss the implication of NK cells in neurotoxicity and neuroprotection following CNS pathology, as well as the crosstalk between NK cells and brain-resident immune cells.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5355-5362
    Number of pages8
    JournalJournal of Immunology
    Volume190
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2013

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'NK cells in central nervous system disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this