Author/Editor		Ihan, A
Title		Cell surface molecules that regulate ability of NK cels to kill their targets
Translated title		Molekule celičnih površin, ki uravnavajo ubijalsko zmožnost celic naravnih ubijalk
Type		članek
Source		Zdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 63, št. Suppl 2
Publication year		1994
Volume		str. II-53-II-5
Language		eng
Abstract		Background. Natural killer cells comprise a lymphocyte subpopulation able to kill tumour or virus-infected cells spontaneously, without prior sensitisation. NK cells kill their targets in a way, that differs substantially from that of T lymphocytes. While cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognise foreign molecules-antigens on target cells, NK cells on contrary kill their targets, if certain self molecules are absent from the cell surface of the target cell. HLA molecules serve as "self" molecular signals, that are checked by NK cells. If NK cells fin targets that do not express an appropriate set of HLA molecules, the killing mechanism of NK cells is activated. Conclusions. Very few data are available about a clinical significance of that mechanisms, but the role in post-transplantation immune events might be to reconsider.
Descriptors		KILLER CELLS, NATURAL CYTOTOXICITY, IMMUNOLOGIC NEOPLASMS HISTOCOMPATIBILITY HLA ANTIGENS