Natural killer cell direct cytotoxicity

Natural killer cell direct cytotoxicity refers to the process by which NK cells identify and eliminate abnormal cells, such as virally infected or malignant cells. This is primarily achieved by the release of cytotoxic granules (containing perforin and granzymes) at the immunological synapse formed with the target cell, or by engagement of death receptors on target cells via molecules like Fas ligand and TRAIL. NK cell cytotoxicity is regulated by a balance of inhibitory and activating receptors, as well as by the availability of activating ligands on target cells. Dysregulation (either loss or excessive activity) of this function is implicated in diseases such as cancer, viral infections, and immunodeficiencies.

Other names

NK cell cytotoxicityNatural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicityNK cell killingNK cell lytic activity

Perforin/granzyme-mediated cytotoxicity; Death receptor-mediated cytotoxicity (FasL, TRAIL); Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (via CD16/FcγRIII)