Natural Killer Cell Antigens (NK Cell Antigens)

Natural killer (NK) cell antigens refer to the surface molecules and receptors expressed on NK cells, a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. NK cells play a key role in immune surveillance by targeting virus-infected, stressed, or malignant cells without requiring prior sensitization or antigen-specific recognition. These antigens include both activating and inhibitory receptors that regulate whether an NK cell will kill a target cell. Key examples include KIRs, NKG2D, CD16, and NCRs. Alterations in expression or function of natural killer cell antigens can impact susceptibility to infections, cancer progression, autoimmune diseases, transplant outcomes, and efficacy of immunotherapies targeting these pathways.

Other names

NK cell receptorsNK cell surface markers

Modulation of NK cell activity via targeting surface receptors (agonism or antagonism). Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Enhancement of NK cell mediated killing by blocking inhibitory signals or promoting activating signals.