Natural Killer Cells: Now and Future

As the name suggests, natural killer (NK) cells are important cells of the immune system “naturally” primed to “kill” malignant or
transformed cells and various infectious pathogens. Like other cells of the immune system, these cells play a major role in immuneregulation; however, their uniqueness lies in blurring the gap between innate and adaptive immune response. Natural killer T cells (NKT), also known as innate lymphocytes are recently discovered cells known for their action against lipid antigens. Properties of NK and NK-T cells have been harnessed in recent years for therapeutic and prophylactic medicine in the form of anti-tumour drugs,
immunomodulators and vaccines against HIV, Pox virus, Influenza and many more. Knowledge of the mechanism of action and
properties of these cells, brighten the possibility for cure of many diseases, the remedy of which still remain unrevealed!