NK cells controlling virus-specific T cells: Rheostats for acute vs. persistent infections

Virology. 2013 Jan 5;435(1):37-45. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.10.005.

Abstract

Viral infections characteristically induce a cytokine-driven activated natural killer (NK) cell response that precedes an antigen-driven T cell response. These NK cells can restrain some but not all viral infections by attacking virus-infected cells and can thereby provide time for an effective T cell response to mobilize. Recent studies have revealed an additional immunoregulatory role for the NK cells, where they inhibit the size and functionality of the T cell response, regardless of whether the viruses are themselves sensitive to NK cells. This subsequent change in T cell dynamics can alter patterns of immunopathology and persistence and implicates NK cells as rheostat-like regulators of persistent infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / pathology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunomodulation
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / virology
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / immunology*
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / pathology
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / virology
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Muromegalovirus / immunology*
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology

Substances

  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell